Jabalpur: The death toll in the Bargi Dam boat tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur rose to nine on Friday, as rescue teams recovered more bodies following the capsizing of a cruise vessel in the reservoir.
According to reports, the boat, carrying 29 passengers and two crew members, overturned after being caught in a sudden storm. Four bodies were recovered on Thursday, while five more were found during search operations early Friday, taking the total number of fatalities to nine. Rescue efforts are continuing to trace missing persons.
The incident has triggered a large-scale response from local authorities, with teams engaged in search and rescue operations at the site. The condition of those rescued and further details on the missing passengers are being closely monitored as operations progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. In a message posted on X, he said, “The loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic mishap. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected.”
The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000.
Authorities are continuing efforts at the site as the situation unfolds.
Eyewitnesses reportedly said strong winds had turned the waters turbulent, leading several passengers to alert the crew and urge them to return to the shore. However, their calls reportedly went unheard, and the boat continued drifting before eventually overturning. Some passengers wearing life jackets were rescued by local residents, who used ropes to pull them to safety.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism Minister Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi told media that a detailed investigation would be carried out into the incident, including concerns raised by a survivor regarding the availability and use of life jackets.
Meanwhile, Jabalpur Deputy Inspector General Atul Singh said there is a possibility that more bodies remain inside the submerged vessel, though poor underwater visibility is hampering confirmation
