The death toll in the tragic cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam near Jabalpur has risen to nine, officials confirmed on Friday, as rescue teams continue to search for those still missing.
The cruise, operated
by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, sank on Thursday evening in the Bargi Dam reservoir on the Narmada River. At least 28 people have been rescued so far, while several others remain unaccounted for.
A video of the incident has surfaced online, showing the final moments before the vessel capsized. The footage captures the boat struggling against strong winds as rough waters rocked it violently. Within seconds, it appears to lose balance and overturn, throwing passengers into the reservoir.
A cruise boat capsized in the Narmada River near Jabalpur, India with around 30 people on board. Four bodies recovered so far. Several still missing. pic.twitter.com/Psfw3BYo18
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Rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident, with teams from the Army, NDRF and SDRF deployed at the site. Officials said five more bodies were recovered on Friday, adding to the four found earlier, taking the total number of deaths to nine. Search efforts are still underway to locate those believed to be trapped inside the submerged vessel or missing in the water.
State Tourism Minister Orders Probe
State Tourism Minister Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi said a detailed investigation will be carried out. “Four bodies were recovered on Thursday, while five were found during the rescue operation in the early hours of the day, taking the toll to nine,” he said. He also noted that concerns raised by survivors, including the availability of life jackets, will be examined.
Also Read | Storm, Ignored Pleas, No Life Jackets: Inside Jabalpur Boat Tragedy That Killed 9
Officials added that the sunken boat will be pulled out only after search teams are certain no one remains inside. Deputy Inspector General Atul Singh said poor visibility in the water is making it difficult to assess how many victims may still be trapped.
Eyewitnesses said the boat ran into a sudden storm, with strong winds making the water choppy. Passengers reportedly urged the crew to turn back, but the vessel overturned before it could reach safety, turning a routine outing into a deadly disaster.
