Jabalpur: The death toll in the tragic cruise accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur has risen to nine after three more bodies were recovered on Friday. Rescue teams are continuing an intensive search for four passengers who remain missing, including children.
According to district authorities, 28 people have been rescued so far after the tourist cruise capsized in the backwaters of the Narmada River reservoir on Thursday evening. Officials suspect overcrowding, as tickets were issued for 29 passengers, but an estimated 43 to 47 people may have been onboard at the time.
The accident occurred around 5 p.m. when the tourism department-operated vessel was caught in a sudden storm with strong winds. The cruise reportedly drifted nearly 300 metres from the shore before losing balance and sinking.
Initial rescue operations were carried out by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), which managed to save several passengers before nightfall. However, poor visibility and adverse weather conditions forced a temporary halt, with operations resuming Friday morning with additional support.
Among those recovered were a mother and her four-year-old son, a discovery that has deeply affected both rescuers and grieving families. The family had travelled from Delhi for a vacation; while the father and daughter survived, the loss has intensified the tragedy.
Rescue efforts have been expanded, with the Indian Army joining operations alongside SDRF teams. A helicopter has been deployed for aerial surveillance, and specialised teams from other cities have arrived. Heavy machinery is also being used to retrieve the submerged vessel, currently stuck in about 20 feet of water.
Mohan Yadav has ordered a high-level inquiry and is expected to visit the site to review ongoing rescue efforts. Authorities have said operations will continue until all missing passengers are located.
With inputs from IANS