A child, aged two, experienced a fall aboard a TUI Cruises vessel in Madeira. The toddler, identified as a foreign national accompanied by parents, received immediate medical attention at the scene before being swiftly transported to a nearby hospital.
The incident occurred this morning while the cruise ship was stationed in Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Reports from Portuguese sources indicate that the child fell approximately 10 to 13 feet, prompting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The vessel involved in the incident is the Mein Schiff 7, a modern addition to the TUI fleet capable of hosting nearly 3,000 passengers. Currently engaged in a seven-day voyage that commenced on April 20 from Gran Canaria, the ship is scheduled to conclude its journey back on the same island next Monday.
TUI has confirmed that the child is under routine observation in the hospital and is in stable condition. An internal inquiry has been initiated to determine the sequence of events. Upon receiving the distress call, the Red Cross and a rapid intervention medical team swiftly responded to the situation.
Prior to reaching Funchal, the Port authorities announced the arrival of two cruise ships, including the Mein Schiff 7, carrying around 4,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members. The Mein Schiff 7, managed by TUI Cruises and operated by JFM Shipping, docked for a 38-hour layover, accommodating 2,936 passengers and 1,037 crew members before continuing its Atlantic Islands itinerary.
Following the incident, port officials confirmed that the child was taken to Dr. Nelio Mendonca Hospital in Funchal for treatment while the ship was berthed at the port. The company overseeing Madeira’s ports released limited information regarding the child’s details and the specifics of the event.
A statement from the Administration of the Ports of the Autonomous Region of Madeira indicated that the incident took place within the ship’s jurisdiction area and prompted the activation of the Regional Integrated Medical Emergency System. The child was promptly assessed by the Rapid Intervention Medical Team and subsequently transferred to the hospital’s A&E department for further care.