New details emerge after 5-year-old fell off Disney cruise ship into the Atlantic Ocean

Authorities are clearing the air after erroneous speculation online blamed a father for his daughter’s fall from a Disney cruise ship on Sunday.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office told CBS News Miami on Tuesday that the girl “was not being held, as erroneously reported on some social media sites.” This refers to the speculation that the father was allegedly holding her up on the railing before she fell backward into the ocean.

The cruise ship was sailing between the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale. The father jumped into the water to rescue her and was soon joined by Disney’s fast-acting crew members that brought both the father and daughter to safety.

“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,” Disney told National Post on June 30.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that Disney’s crew was well-prepared. “Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue.”

The Sheriff’s Office added that there doesn’t appear to be anything suspicious. “This family is so blessed. It’s great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome,” the statement to CBS said.

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