Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 1 May expressed grief over the capsizing of a tourist cruise boat at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where the death toll has climbed to nine and at least four passengers remain missing. The Prime Minister announced financial relief for victims and the Indian Army has deployed trained divers as search operations intensify.

PM Modi's Statement and Financial Assistance

In a post shared by PMO India on X, Modi described the loss of lives as "extremely painful" and extended condolences to the bereaved families. "The loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic mishap. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected," he wrote.

Modi also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs 50,000," he added.

Army Deployment and Search Operations

The Indian Army's Madhya Bharat Area launched Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations immediately after receiving a request from the district administration. One Junior Commissioned Officer and 13 soldiers, including trained divers from the Shatrujeet Brigade, were airlifted to Jabalpur and deployed at the accident site.

In its official statement on Friday, the Army said, "Search and rescue operations are being carried out in close coordination with civil administration, NDRF and SDRF teams. Despite extremely difficult underwater conditions, our personnel are working round the clock to trace the missing passengers and assist in recovery operations."

Officials said the submerged cruise vessel remains stuck at a depth of nearly 20 feet in the Bargi Dam reservoir, making underwater visibility and recovery extremely challenging. Rescued passengers are receiving medical assistance at the Military Hospital in Jabalpur.

Casualties and Recoveries So Far

According to district administration officials, 28 passengers have been rescued so far. Three additional bodies were recovered on the morning of 1 May, including that of a mother and her four-year-old son, who were found together during the search. Their family had reportedly travelled from Delhi.

The accident occurred on 30 April when the tourist cruise lost balance and capsized following sudden strong winds and adverse weather conditions near Khamariya Island. Officials said the vessel overturned rapidly, leaving passengers little time to react.

Multi-Agency Rescue Effort Continues

Rescue teams comprising the Army, NDRF, and SDRF are conducting joint operations using diving units, boats, aerial surveillance, and heavy machinery. Authorities have confirmed that search efforts will continue until all missing persons are traced. This is one of the deadliest boat accidents in Madhya Pradesh in recent years, underscoring recurring concerns about tourist vessel safety on inland water bodies. The coming hours will be critical as the search for the remaining four missing passengers presses on.