A tragic boating accident at the Bargi Dam reservoir in Jabalpur on Thursday evening claimed four lives after a sudden and severe storm overturned a tourist vessel.
Authorities fear additional casualties, as at least 18 passengers remain missing.
The incident occurred near Khamariya Island, a well-known destination within the backwaters of the Narmada River.
Strong winds and rapidly worsening weather destabilised the bimini-top boat, which carried more than 30 passengers at the time.
As conditions deteriorated, powerful gusts and rising waves caused the vessel to lose balance and capsize.
Several tourists fell into deep waters, triggering immediate distress. Emergency teams responded swiftly.
Personnel from the Bargi Police and the State Disaster Response Force launched rescue operations under difficult circumstances.
City Superintendent of Police Anjul Ayank Mishra confirmed that rescuers have recovered four bodies so far.
Teams successfully rescued 15 individuals through coordinated efforts involving divers and local support.
Officials continue to search for approximately 18 missing passengers.
Authorities are verifying passenger details using survivor accounts and available records.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as dark clouds gathered and high-velocity winds struck without warning.
Officials stated that the intensity of the storm overwhelmed the boat’s stability.
Rescue operations remain ongoing despite fading light and challenging conditions across the vast reservoir.
Authorities have expressed condolences to affected families and assured them that all resources remain deployed to locate the missing.
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