9 tourists dead, many missing as cruise boat sinks in MP

Mangalore Today News Network

Jabalpur, May 1, 2026: What began as a leisure outing on the waters of the Narmada River turned into a major tragedy on Thursday when a tourist cruise boat sank in Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, triggering panic and a large-scale rescue operation.

The incident occurred near Khamariya Island when the Madhya Pradesh Tourism-operated cruise, carrying 29 tourists, reportedly lost balance during a sudden storm and capsized in rough waters.

Within minutes, the joyride turned into a nightmare.

Officials said 15 tourists managed to swim to safety amid strong currents, while eight deaths have been confirmed so far, including two women. Ten others remain missing, raising fears that the toll could rise.

Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes as sudden strong winds lashed the area, destabilising the vessel before it sank.

Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force launched an intensive search operation through the night using powerful lights. However, poor visibility and deep waters have made the mission difficult.

District Collector Raghavendra Singh and Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay rushed to the spot to oversee rescue efforts.

The injured survivors have been admitted to Jabalpur Medical College for treatment.

The cruise captain, Mahesh Patel, who was wearing a life jacket, survived the incident and was rescued.

PWD Minister and local MLA Rakesh Singh said rescue operations are the top priority, adding that action will be taken if any negligence by the cruise operator is established.