A tourist cruise boat capsized in the Narmada backwaters near Khamariya Island at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, leaving six people dead and nine others missing — including five children — as a large-scale multi-agency rescue operation continued into Friday, 2 May 2025. Officials confirmed that 24 passengers have been safely evacuated so far, with rescue teams working non-stop through the night under difficult underwater conditions.

What Happened at Bargi Dam

The tourist cruise reportedly capsized after being struck by sudden strong winds and adverse weather, causing the vessel to overturn rapidly and leaving passengers stranded in the waters of the Narmada backwaters. The submerged cruise remains stuck at a depth of approximately 20 feet, making recovery efforts extremely challenging. Authorities have stated that the exact cause of the accident will only be confirmed after the vessel is fully retrieved and examined.

The Victims and Survivors

The six confirmed deceased have been identified as Neetu Soni (Jabalpur), Saubhagyum Alagan (Tamil Nadu), Kakalazhi (Jabalpur), Madhur Massey (New Delhi), Reshma Syed, and Shamim Naqvi. Of the 24 passengers evacuated safely, 7 have returned home, while the remaining survivors are admitted to multiple hospitals and are receiving treatment, according to the district administration. The nine missing persons include five children, adding urgency to the ongoing operation.

Multi-Agency Rescue Operation

A massive rescue effort has been launched involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), supported by personnel from the Indian Army. Additional reinforcements have been mobilised from across the country, including a specialised rescue team and a helicopter dispatched from Hyderabad, and a paramilitary team from Kolkata that has already reached Jabalpur. Authorities said all agencies are coordinating closely, with operations being carried out on a war footing.

Recovery Efforts and Challenges

Heavy machinery — including cranes, hydraulic cutters, and excavators — is being deployed to locate and lift the sunken vessel. Divers and rescue personnel have been working tirelessly to search for possible survivors trapped inside or around the submerged boat. Officials noted that poor visibility and difficult underwater conditions have significantly hampered progress. By early Friday morning, the pace of operations increased as efforts were intensified to retrieve the vessel.

On-Ground Response

Distressing scenes were reported at the accident site as family members arrived throughout the night, anxiously seeking information about their loved ones. The district administration has set up emergency assistance counters, while medical teams are providing immediate care to survivors, many of whom were rescued in a distressed and critical condition. A fresh update was shared by the Jabalpur District Collector at 9 am on Friday. With nine people still missing, including children, rescue teams remain in a race against time as the operation enters a crucial and sensitive phase.