Tourist Boat Capsizes Near Bargi Dam in India, Several Dead and Missing
Madhya Pradesh: A tragic boating accident occurred near the Bargi Dam in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, where a tourist cruise vessel capsized, leaving at least nine people dead and several others missing.
According to officials, the incident took place near the Khumariya Island area of Bargi Dam in the Jabalpur district, when sudden stormy weather caused the boat to lose balance and overturn in strong waves.
Authorities said a total of 29 tourists were onboard the vessel at the time of the accident. Fifteen passengers managed to swim to safety on their own, while nine deaths have so far been confirmed, including two women. Around four to ten people are still missing, with fears that the death toll may rise.
Eyewitnesses reported that strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions led to the instability of the boat.
Following the incident, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched a rescue operation immediately. However, darkness and deep waters have made the search efforts challenging, though operations continue with the help of search lights.
Senior district officials, including the District Collector and Superintendent of Police, are supervising the rescue operation. Injured survivors have been shifted to Jabalpur Medical College for treatment.
The boat captain, Mahesh Patel, survived the incident reportedly due to wearing a life jacket.
Local authorities have stated that the rescue operation remains the top priority, and an investigation will be launched if negligence by the cruise operator is confirmed.
