Child 'plunges several metres' on TUI cruise ship and is in 'critical condition'

Child 'plunges several metres' on TUI cruise ship and is in 'critical condition'The horror incident has reportedly happened on a TUI cruise ship docked in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, with the toddler described as a 'foreign national'CommentsNewsNatalia Penza News Correspondent and Christopher Mallett20:40, 22 Apr 2026Updated 20:46, 22 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesA two-year-old child is 'fighting for its life' after a reported fall on board a TUI cruise ship (file)(Image: Tui)A two-year-old child is said to be "fighting for its life" after reportedly plunging from a TUI Cruises ship in Madeira.‌The tot, who has been described locally as a “foreign national” on board with its parents, was stabilised at the scene before being rushed to hospital.‌The incident happened this morning when the cruise liner was docked in the Madeiran capital of Funchal. Portuguese press said the child had suffered a fall of between 10 and 13 feet and that the circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.‌The ship has been named as the Mein Schiff 7, which is one of the newest ships in the TUI fleet and can accommodate nearly 3,000 passengers.View 2 ImagesThe cruise ship was docked in the Madeiran capital of Funchal at the time of the incident(Image: Getty Images)It is currently on a seven-day round trip which began in Gran Canaria on April 20 and is due to finish on the same island next Monday.‌Sources at Dr Nelio Mendonca Hospital in Funchal have told local press the toddler’s injuries are "very serious" and its life hangs in the balance.An internal investigation into what happened is understood to have been launched.Red Cross officials and a ‘rapid intervention’ medical team were mobilised after the alarm was first raised.‌Shortly before its arrival Funchal Port officials said in a post on social media: "The Port of Funchal is welcoming two cruise ships this Wednesday, bringing close to 4,000 passengers and 2,00 cre...