Jabalpur, 01 May (HS): At least nine people were reported dead after a cruise boat carrying around 35 to 40 passengers capsized in the Bargi River in Jabalpur following a sudden storm, police said on Thursday.

According to officials, around 18 persons have been rescued so far, while 15 to 18 passengers are still missing. The incident occurred near the Bargi Dam area, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation.

City Superintendent of Police (Bargi town) Anjul Mishra said rescue teams were continuing efforts to trace the missing. The death toll rose to nine after two more bodies were recovered during the ongoing operation.

State Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were engaged in rescue efforts and a clearer picture would emerge after the operation concludes. He also noted that questions remain regarding safety measures, including the use of life jackets.

Meanwhile, a survivor alleged that passengers were not provided life jackets, raising concerns over adherence to safety protocols.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that 15 persons had been rescued and assured that all possible assistance was being extended to the affected families. He termed the incident a result of a severe storm.

Eyewitnesses said strong winds lashed the area at the time of the incident. One eyewitness claimed that despite warnings, the boat operator did not steer the vessel to safety, and it capsized mid-way in the dam. Rescue teams shifted survivors to nearby hospitals, while efforts to recover the missing continued.

Further details are awaited as rescue operations continue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar