&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Four dead, several missing as cruise boat capsizes in Jabalpur’s Bargi Dam")
A major rescue operation is underway in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district after a tourist cruise boat carrying between 35 and 40 passengers capsized in the Bargi Dam reservoir on Thursday (Apr 30). The tragedy, triggered by a sudden and violent storm, has left at least four people dead, while approximately 10 to 18 others remain missing.
The incident occurred around 6:15 PM (local time) near Khamaria Island (Tapu), a popular tourist spot within the reservoir built on the Narmada River. According to reports, sudden adverse weather conditions, characterised by high-velocity winds and heavy rain, made the water dangerously choppy. The cruise boat reportedly lost balance against the surging waves before overturning and gradually sinking.
As of late Thursday (Apr 30), rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Home Guard, and local police had retrieved four bodies from the water. While 15 to 18 passengers managed to swim to safety or were rescued by locals and officials, a significant number of tourists remain unaccounted for. "The rescue operation is being carried out on a war footing," stated Jabalpur Collector Raghvendra Singh, who is overseeing the efforts alongside Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyaya. However, officials noted that poor visibility and the sheer scale of the reservoir are significantly hampering search efforts as night falls.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and directed senior ministers to reach the site immediately. Taking to X, the CM confirmed that Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh and Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi were dispatched to supervise the rescue work and support the affected families. "An ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh each has been announced for the kin of the deceased," Minister Rakesh Singh told reporters after reaching the spot. He added that a detailed inquiry would be conducted once the rescue phase concludes to determine if safety protocols, such as the provision of life jackets, were strictly followed.
Trending Stories
)
Trump administration refunds $100 billion in tariffs after Supreme Court ruling
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
American blogger Perez Hilton, covered in blood, cuts himself during livestream, hospitalized after distressing incident
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Pradeep Rawat died at 74: Revisit the unforgettable roles that defined his career
)
'Affront to our sovereignty': Bangladesh slams India over Sheikh Hasina's Delhi press conference
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
)
Sajeeb Wazed raises Indian security concerns, calls Bangladesh a 'failed state'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Shreya Kalra? Meet the social media star who lifted the Lock Upp 2 trophy
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
)
Several Indian states ban analogue paneer: Experts explain what it is and the health risks | WION Decodes
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Did Trump's helicopter nearly collide with a passenger jet? US launches probe
)
Jharkhand student protest: Sonam Wangchuk urges Devendra Mahato to end waterless hunger strike
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
)
Ex top Pakistan official blames economic woes on China: Here's how CPEC became a failure
)
‘Pakistan called for ceasefire, we kept them waiting’: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan recalls Operation Sindoor
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry
)
CJP's Saurav Das alleges YouTubers broke into his house, seeks Delhi Police action
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
)
India deploys joint outbreak response team as Chandipura virus spreads in Gujarat, Rajasthan
Survivors described a scene of absolute panic as the storm hit. According to eyewitnesses cited by news agency PTI, passengers raised an alarm and urged the crew to return to the shore as the winds intensified. However, the boat drifted further into the deep waters before the capsizing occurred. Local residents near the dam were among the first responders, using ropes and personal boats to save several lives before official teams arrived.
