What was meant to be an evening of leisure on the scenic waters of the Narmada turned into a terrifying disaster on Thursday when a tourist cruise boat carrying holidaymakers sank in Madhya Pradesh’s Bargi Dam, triggering panic, desperate rescue efforts, and a growing death count.
The tragedy unfolded near Khamariya Island in Jabalpur when the Madhya Pradesh Tourism-operated cruise, carrying 29 tourists, reportedly lost balance during a sudden storm and sank in the turbulent waters.
Within moments, a pleasure ride became a nightmare.
4 Dead, Many Missing As Cruise Boat With 31 On Board Sinks In Madhya Pradesh https://t.co/1Ta29g4W7d pic.twitter.com/OOMBbyRQlz
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 30, 2026
According to officials, 15 tourists managed to swim to safety, battling rough waters in a desperate fight for survival. However, six deaths have so far been confirmed, including two women, while eight people remain missing, raising fears that the death count could rise further.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as strong winds and sudden weather changes struck the vessel, causing it to destabilize before sinking.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the site immediately after receiving distress information, launching an intense night-long search operation under powerful searchlights.
The dark waters of Bargi Dam, combined with poor visibility, have made the rescue mission particularly challenging.
District Collector Raghavendra Singh and Jabalpur Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay rushed to the site as emergency operations intensified.
The injured survivors have been shifted to Jabalpur Medical College, where treatment is underway.
The cruise captain, Mahesh Patel, who was wearing a life jacket, survived and was rescued.
PWD Minister and local MLA Rakesh Singh told NDTV, “The SDRF has rescued approximately 10 people. If the cruise company is found to be at fault, appropriate action will be taken. For us, rescue operations remain the top priority at this moment.”