Six Dead After Cruise Boat Capsizes in Jabalpur’s Bargi Dam

Tourism Department Faces Scrutiny

A day earlier, the weather department issued a warning for strong winds of 40-50 kmph on Thursday for Jabalpur. It has been claimed that even after receiving the warning, the cruise boat was allowed into the water on Thursday around 4:30 pm. Now, the tourism department is under the scanner that operates the facility. The cruise service in Bargi dam has been functional since 2006 as a water-based tourism initiative.

Six Dead After Bargi Dam Mishap

A cruise boat carrying over 30 passengers capsized in the Bargi dam in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday evening as it lost balance amidst sudden stormy weather conditions. While six bodies have so far been retrieved from the overflowing waters of the dam built on the river Narmada, 15 passengers have swam to safety. 

The incident took place near Khamaria Tapu (island) in Bargi dam area. According to initial inputs, the accident happened because of the sudden stormy weather, triggered high wind and waves, leading to the capsizing of the cruise boat which gradually sank into the waters.

Rescue Operations Continue Amid Poor Visibility

Rescuers are engaged in rescue efforts on a war footing but they are unable to get any lead as visibility is poor, officials said. The water bodies were being scanned using boats and equipment, police and SDERF personnel searching for the missing passengers and those who had sustained injuries. At least 10 passengers have been reportedly missing in the waters of bargi dam. Police are conducting intense search and rescue operations.

Officials Oversee Rescue Efforts

Jabalpur District Collector Raghvendra Singh and Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyaya have rushed to the spot, while taking charge of the ongoing rescue operations. Preliminary inputs indicated sudden storm was the primary cause, although an official investigation may be conducted, to confirm that all safety protocols were being adhered to.