(KGTV) -- An 8-year-old girl died after falling several feet over a rail onto the lower deck of a Carnival Cruise ship Saturday, the Miami-Dade Police Department said.

The incident happened as passengers began disembarking the Carnival Glory at around 8:15 a.m. at PortMiami in Biscayne Bay, Fla.

Police said the girl fell from a balcony in the ship’s interior atrium to the lower deck.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she later died, according to Miami Fire-Rescue.

Carnival Cruise Line released the following statement regarding the incident:

"The ship's medical team responded immediately and the child was transported to the ship's medical center. She was subsequently transferred via ambulance to a local hospital. The ship's command immediately contacted Miami-Dade Police Department which is on site. Our most heartfelt care and concern is with the family at this very difficult time."