Four persons died and 15 others were rescued after a river cruise boat carrying 29 tourists overturned and sank in the Bargi dam reservoir. As per the officials, the boat was hit by a sudden storm in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur.
The horrific incident took place at around 6–6:15 pm on Wednesday. According to officials, 29 tickets had been issued for the cruise, and there were also two crew members on board.
Of the passengers, 15 were rescued in a swift operation, while four drowned. Ten tourists are still missing. Early morning visuals shared by ANI on Thursday show the rescue op is underway.
#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | Morning visuals from the spot as search and rescue operations are underway at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur. Four dead and 15 people have been
rescued so far after a cruise capsized in the dam. pic.twitter.com/ysYb5MyYQF
— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2026
A massive rescue operation is underway on a war footing, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed at the site. The Jabalpur collector and Superintendent of Police are supervising the operation on the ground, along with other rescue personnel.
Government Announces Compensation
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the local administration and rescue teams were working continuously following the “tragic cruise boat accident” caused by a severe storm in the Bargi dam. In a post on X, he said Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, senior divisional and police officials, and local representatives had been directed to reach the spot to oversee the rescue efforts.
“Through a swift operation, 15 citizens were rescued and efforts are underway to locate those who are still missing,” Yadav said, adding, “In this hour of crisis, the state government stands with the affected families with full sensitivity and is ensuring all possible assistance.”
He announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the next of kin of those who died.
आज जबलपुर में तेज आंधी-तूफान के कारण बरगी डैम में हुए दुखद क्रूज हादसे को लेकर स्थानीय प्रशासन एवं रेस्क्यू फोर्स का ऑपरेशन लगातार जारी है।
लोक निर्माण मंत्री श्री राकेश सिंह जी, पर्यटन मंत्री श्री धर्मेंद्र सिंह लोधी जी, संभाग प्रभारी एसीएस, एडीजी और स्थानीय जनप्रतिनिधियों को…
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) April 30, 2026
Eyewitnesses Recount Horrific Incident
Eyewitnesses said strong winds suddenly lashed the reservoir, turning the water choppy and causing panic on board. Many passengers reportedly shouted to the crew to turn the boat back towards the shore, but their calls could not be heard over the storm, and the vessel drifted further into the water before overturning.
Samrat, an eyewitness, told ANI, “It was really windy. We told the boat operator to come to the other end, but he paid no heed. It started for the other side but capsized in the middle of the dam. A few people in life jackets jumped off the boat… We safely rescued about 15-16 people… We rushed them to the hospital. The bodies were taken away.”
Another eyewitness, Tuhin, said, “We were sitting here after having a meal. It was windy. The boat was shaking. People told the boat operator to pull the boat to our side and anchor it here. But he paid no heed. He took the boat in the middle of the water once again, and it capsized. We helped a few people in coming out… I rescued 5-6 people.”
Some locals rushed to help and managed to pull a few passengers to safety using ropes, particularly those who were wearing life jackets, eyewitnesses added.
