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Family vacation nightmare unfolds as child is hospitalized after fall on cruise ship

Video Cruise ship rescues stranded sailor and his cat in Gulf drama A Carnival cruise ship crew spotted distress flares while sailing to Cozumel, Mexico, and rescued a stranded sailor and his cat at sea. Both were brought safely aboard and received care. FOX 26 spoke with two passengers who were on board the ship when the rescue occurred. (credit: Fox 26/Alan Loy)

A young child was hospitalized after falling on board a cruise ship while it was docked in a popular destination, local media reported.

The 2-year-old fell aboard a TUI Cruises-operated ship, Mein Schiff 7, while it was docked in Funchal, Madeira, according to DN Madeira, a local Portuguese news outlet based in Madeira. The toddler did not appear to fall into the water, according to reports.

Funchal is the capital of the Madeira archipelago, as well as its main port and a popular cruise ship stop.

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The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly conscious when responders arrived. The child was with the mother at the time.

Reports said the toddler fell approximately six to 10 feet, reports said.

A two-year-old child was hospitalized after a fall aboard a TUI Cruises ship while it was docked in Madeira, officials said. (iStock)

The circumstances of the fall and where on the ship it took place remain unclear. Authorities have not shared additional details.

The 2-year-old was in "serious condition," DN Madeira reported, and was sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital.

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TUI Cruises pushed back on reports about the toddler's condition.

The Germany-based cruise company told Fox News Digital in a statement that the child "was never in a critical condition, nor did [the child] have life-threatening injuries."

The incident involving a child aboard Mein Schiff 7 occurred while the vessel was stationed in Funchal, a major cruise port. (iStock)

The company said, "We can confirm an incident on Mein Schiff 7 in Madeira involving a child."

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The child is "in [the] hospital for routine observation," the spokesperson added.

Madeira remains a popular cruise destination known for its coastal scenery and year-round mild climate. (iStock)

An isolated island in the Atlantic, Madeira is located some 300 miles north of the Canary Islands and roughly 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

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It remains a popular vacation destination for its mild year-round climate and rugged coastal cliffs, as well as its namesake fortified wine.

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The recent incident follows a string of other cruise-related incidents this year, including accidents during excursions and onboard mishaps.

Andrea Margolis is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.

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