Rescue operations continued through the night into Friday morning after a tourist cruise capsized at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, with authorities confirming that 24 passengers have been rescued so far, while nine people remain missing.
According to district officials, the missing include five children, raising serious concerns as the operation enters a critical phase. Six deaths have been confirmed.
Among the 24 rescued, seven have returned home, while others are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
The deceased have been identified as Neetu Soni from Jabalpur, Saubhagyum Alagan from Tamil Nadu, Kakalazhi from Jabalpur, Madhur Massey from New Delhi, Reshma Syed, and Shamim Naqvi.
The accident occurred in the Narmada backwaters near Khamariya Island when the cruise vessel overturned, reportedly due to sudden strong winds and adverse weather. The boat capsized rapidly, leaving passengers stranded in deep water.
A large-scale rescue effort is underway. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force are involved. The Indian Army is supporting the operation.
Additional reinforcements, including a specialised team and a helicopter from Hyderabad and a paramilitary unit from Kolkata, have joined the operation. Authorities said all agencies are coordinating closely to accelerate rescue efforts.
The submerged vessel is stuck nearly 20 feet underwater, complicating rescue and recovery work.
Heavy machinery such as cranes, excavators, and hydraulic cutters is being deployed to locate and lift the wreckage.
Divers continue to search in low visibility conditions for survivors possibly trapped in or around the vessel. Operations intensified early in the morning as teams pushed to retrieve the cruise.
Distressing scenes unfolded at the site as families gathered overnight seeking information.
Medical Aid and Help Desks Set Up
Emergency help desks have been set up, while medical teams are providing immediate care to survivors, many of whom were rescued in critical condition.
Officials said the final toll and exact cause will be determined only after the vessel is fully recovered and examined. With nine still missing, the operation remains a race against time.
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