The state of Florida has decided not to press charges against the mother of a 5-year-old girl who fell overboard a Disney Cruise ship in June. According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, the mother will not be charged with neglect. The incident took place on Sunday, June 29, as the Disney Dream cruise ship was heading back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a voyage to the Bahamas. The little girl fell off the ship into the ocean, and her father jumped in after her, resulting in both of them being rescued by Disney crew members. The family was then safely transported back to the ship.
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A police report from Florida’s Broward County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the mother had allegedly encouraged her daughter to take a photo by an open porthole. The report stated that the mother pointed to the porthole railing, prompting the daughter to climb on it. Unfortunately, the girl lost her balance and fell backwards into the water. As a consequence of the fall, the girl suffered from mild hypothermia and minor lactic acidosis, while her father sustained two spinal fractures and lactic acid buildup, requiring medical treatment.
Investigators mentioned that the mother believed there was a protective barrier between the railing and the water, leading her to assume it was safe for her daughter to sit on the railing. Despite the negligent act of allowing her child on the railing, the assistant state attorney in charge, Melissa Kelly, declined to charge the mother with child neglect. Kelly stated that although the mother’s actions were arguably negligent and irresponsible, they did not meet the criteria for criminal culpable negligence, labelling the incident as purely accidental.
Following the investigation by the sheriff’s office, the case was forwarded to the Broward County State Attorney’s Office for review. In a memo dated July 31, Kelly explained that the mother’s belief in the presence of a protective barrier and the accidental nature of the incident were key factors in the decision not to press charges. Kelly emphasised that under the law, parents and caregivers are not expected to be perfect and can make mistakes that do not amount to criminal negligence.
At the time of the incident, Disney confirmed the swift rescue of the passengers and commended their crew for their quick actions. The company expressed gratitude for the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes of the incident. However, Disney has not responded to requests for comment following the decision not to charge the mother. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and supervision, especially when children are involved in potentially risky situations.
In conclusion, the mother of the girl who fell overboard on a Disney Cruise has been spared from facing charges of neglect. The incident, though harrowing, has prompted a closer examination of safety measures onboard cruise ships. The decision not to prosecute the mother highlights the complexities of determining negligence in such cases and underscores the need for vigilance when it comes to the safety of children. Disney’s efficient rescue operation played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the family involved in the incident. This serves as a cautionary tale for both parents and cruise companies to prioritise safety above all else.