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Credit: DisneyIn the early afternoon on Thursday, a Jungle Cruise boat took on water and began to sink mid-ride bringing some surprised Walt Disney World guests and one skipper down with it. The incident was reported live by park guests in and around the sinking vessel flooding their own social media accounts with updates. Walt Disney World has now released an official statement on the matter.
Inside the Magic covered the story just as it was occurring earlier today. The Jungle Cruise launch went down close to High Noon (12:00 p.m. EST) in the Adventureland area of the Magic Kingdom. The accident occurred in shallow water which left the passengers standing in ankle-deep water as the boat began to sink. At around the same time, it was reported on Twitter that the Jungle Cruise attraction was “temporarily interrupted” and the ride was back in operation before 2:00 p.m. EST.
Our boat on the jungle cruise sank today. Fun times! #wdw pic.twitter.com/jCxjIOzu9Z
— Matthew Vince (@synewaves) February 27, 2020
You can read Inside the Magic’s initial coverage of the Jungle Cruise Sinking here:
Read More: BREAKING: Jungle Cruise Boat Reportedly Sank At Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s Official Statement
“A boat took on some water. Reedy Creek Fire Department responded immediately to this event. Everyone got out of the boat safely. We worked with guests individually so that they could enjoy the rest of their day in the park. The attraction has reopened.”
At Inside the Magic, we want to also mention that nobody was reported injured during this unfortunate event. This is an extremely rare occurrence for any water ride at Walt Disney World or any Disney theme park, especially Jungle Cruise, which has been operating at Disney World for decades and at Disneyland for even longer. Walt Disney World’s statement is as calm as the situation truly was despite the reactionary panic on social media. We hope that this news does not alter your opinion of one of the most beloved Disney attractions of all time and deter you from enjoying it on future Walt Disney World vacations.
Walt Disney World describes the Jungle Cruise on their website as the following:
Embark on a river cruise where dangerous beasts and dry wit abound. Board a canopied tramp steamer piloted by your trusty skipper, who will expertly navigate you through some of the world’s most treacherous waters.
Steam past lush foliage, butterflies and waterfalls on the Amazon in South America. Glimpse an abandoned camp overrun by curious gorillas on the shores of the African Congo.
Along the Nile, watch for bathing elephants, angry hippos and hungry lions. Be on the lookout for a tribe of headhunters recently spotted in the area. Your cruise continues down the Mekong River in Asia, home to baboons, cobras and other fearsomely life-like creatures.
It’s a 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that you won’t soon forget!