At least six people have died, and 15 others were rescued after a cruise boat carrying 29 passengers capsized in the Bargi dam reservoir near Khamariya Island in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur after encountering a sudden storm on Thursday evening.
Ten tourists were still missing, and an operation was on in full swing to trace and rescue them. A total of 29 tickets were issued for the cruise in the Bargi dam reservoir, and among them, four people drowned, while 15 were rescued, the official said.
The Bargi Dam has been constructed on the river Narmada in Jabalpur district.
Rescue operations underway
A search and rescue operation for the missing passengers was continuing on a war footing. The Jabalpur collector and Superintendent of Police, along with SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and other rescue teams, are present at the site, the official said.
The cruise vessel remains submerged in the waters of Bargi Dam, with rescue teams struggling to gain access to its interior. Efforts are underway to breach the structure of the vessel, but progress has been slow.
Even nearly three hours after the accident, rescue personnel have not yet been able to enter the cruise ship, raising concerns about those trapped inside.
According to reports, the provision of life-saving jackets, arranged by the Tourism Department and the individuals responsible for managing the cruise operations and tourist excursions, proved instrumental in saving lives.
CM Mohan Yadav takes cognizance
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took cognizance of the incident and directed Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh and Tourism Minister Dhruvendra Singh Lodhi to reach the site immediately.
"The operation by the local administration and rescue forces continues unabated in Jabalpur regarding the tragic cruise accident at the Bargi Dam caused by a severe storm. Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh, Tourism Minister Dhruvendra Singh Lodhi, the Divisional In-Charge ACS, ADG, and local public representatives have been directed to reach the site immediately. Through swift rescue operations, 15 citizens have been safely rescued. Efforts are underway to locate those who are missing as quickly as possible. In this hour of crisis, the state government stands in full solidarity with the affected families with complete sensitivity, and every possible assistance is being ensured," Yadav said in a post on X.
Yadav has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the citizens who lost their lives in this tragedy.
Chief Minister affirmed that, in this hour of crisis, the state government stands with the affected families with complete sensitivity and empathy. Every possible form of assistance is being ensured for the affected individuals and families.
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