What happens when someone falls overboard as Disney Cruises rescue dad and girl from the ocean

Here is everything that happens when someone falls overboard on a cruise.

While no vacation is ever risk-free - whether you're hitting the ski slopes or sunbathing on beachey shores - it's safe to say that falling from a cruise ship would be an absolute nightmare.

Sadly, this was the reality for a family onboard a Disney Dream Cruise sailing back from the Bahamas to Florida over the weekend.

It's not clear how it all unfolded, a child fell from the ship as the vessel returned to Fort Lauderdale. Her father then jumped in after, attempting to save her.

Passengers took to social media to report hearing the emergency 'man overboard' announcement before seeing the crew launch into action. Fortunately, both were rescued safely; although it would've undoubtably been a traumatic experience for all involved.

A spokesperson for Disney Cruise Line told The Street: "The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water.

The cruise was returning from the Bahamas when the incident occurred (Sanniely/Getty Images)

"We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols."

Over the ten years from 2009 to 2019, cruise lines recorded 212 overboard incidents; only 48 people were rescued after falling, meaning more than three-quarters of those who went overboard did not live.

Still, falling off a cruise is extremely rare. Cruise Lines International Association puts the odds at about 0.00004 percent - so passengers needn’t be overly worried.

Here's everything that happens once someone falls overboard on a cruise ship - and what you should do in such an event.

Man overboard alert

As passengers reported hearing, when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship, the first action is a 'man overboard' alert to the bridge.

The bridge crew then broadcasts 'Code Oscar' over the ship’s public address system to mobilize everyone into rescue mode.

Anyone who witnesses a person falling into the sea should report immediately, giving as precise a description as possible: where on the ship it happened, what the person was wearing and exactly when it occurred.

These vital details help the crew locate the individual faster - and every second counts in such a dangerous situation.

To most passengers, hearing 'Code Oscar' will prompt alarm and confusion - people will scramble to Google what it means and check on family and friends.

Pinpointing the incident

Both the dad and daughter were rescued from the water (Helen89/Getty Images)

When the bridge receives a 'man overboard' report, they log the ship’s coordinates and as much detail as possible about the fall.

Turning a massive vessel around and stopping it safely takes time, so accurate location data - both the ship’s position and the deck or railing from which the person fell - is essential to narrow the search area.

Launching the search

With the point of the incident recorded, the ship reverses course at maximum safe speed.

Nearby vessels in the fleet are notified and alter their path to assist. Crew deploy life rafts and rescue boats into the water, while lookouts scan the surface from the decks above.

Support for friends and family

Meanwhile, officers and trained staff provide emotional support to the traveling companions of the overboard passenger.

Family and friends are often given the option to disembark at the next port, regardless of whether the search concludes successfully, so they can be with loved ones ashore.

The combination of rapid crew response, precise reporting by witnesses, and coordinated efforts with other ships and rescue boats gives every possible chance of recovery.