Child Falls Aboard Cruise Ship in Madeira
A two-year-old child was taken to hospital after a fall on the cruise ship Mein Schiff 7. The incident occurred while the ship was docked in Funchal on 22nd April 2026. Local medical teams responded swiftly to the emergency.
Emergency Response and Medical Care
The child fell from a height of 6 to 10 feet while the vessel was in port. Emergency responders found the child conscious and receiving care from the ship’s medical team. The mother was present during this time. Madeira’s Integrated Medical Emergency System dispatched its Rapid Intervention Medical Team, EMIR, along with an ambulance to the scene. After an initial assessment, the child was transferred to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital for further checks.
Injuries Not Life-Threatening
TUI Cruises confirmed the incident, stating the injuries were not serious. The child was never in a critical condition and was in hospital for routine observation. The child remains in good condition and is with family members. The Portuguese port authority APRAM also confirmed the incident occurred while the ship was docked.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the fall. There is speculation about the child falling from a balcony, but this is unconfirmed. The incident happened during a seven-night itinerary that began in Gran Canaria on 20th April 2026. The ship arrived in Funchal on 22nd April for an overnight stay. The schedule was unaffected, with departure planned for 23rd April.
Previous Incidents with TUI Cruises
While rare, this is not the first serious incident involving TUI Cruises. In October 2022, a passenger died after falling from a balcony on Mein Schiff 6. More recently, in November 2025, a 76-year-old passenger went overboard from Marella Explorer 2 near the Canary Islands. Despite these incidents, the child in Madeira is recovering well.
Continue Your Cruise Adventure
Despite the incident, the Mein Schiff 7 continues its voyage. The ship will visit ports like Santa Cruz de La Palma, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura before returning to Gran Canaria on 27th April. For those planning a cruise, ensure safety measures are in place for a worry-free holiday.
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