4 Dead, Several Missing After Boat Carrying 29 Tourists Sinks in Madhya Pradesh; Rescue Underway

Of the total passengers, 15 were rescued in a swift operation, while four drowned. Ten tourists are still missing. 

A search and rescue operation for the missing passengers is underway. (Photo: X)

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.

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.

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.

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