Tragic Cruise Boat Capsize in Madhya Pradesh: PM Modi Offers Condolences and Support

Prime Minister Modi Responds to Bargi Dam Incident

New Delhi/Jabalpur: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow regarding the devastating cruise boat incident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which has resulted in nine fatalities and left at least four individuals unaccounted for.

In a message shared by the PMO on X, Modi referred to the loss of life as 'deeply distressing' and conveyed his sympathies to the families affected. He also expressed hopes for a swift recovery for those injured.

He stated, 'The tragic capsizing of a boat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is profoundly painful. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those mourning their loved ones. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured. The local authorities are providing support to those impacted.'

Additionally, he announced financial aid for the victims, declaring, 'An ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be allocated to the families of each deceased. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000.'

In response to the incident, rescue and search operations have been ramped up, with the Indian Army collaborating with civil authorities and disaster response teams to locate the missing passengers.

The Indian Army reported that its Madhya Bharat Area promptly initiated Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations upon request from local officials.

A Junior Commissioned Officer and 13 soldiers, including trained divers from the Shatrujeet Brigade, were airlifted to Jabalpur and assigned to the site of the accident.

The Army's official statement on Friday noted, 'Search and rescue efforts are being conducted in close cooperation with civil administration, NDRF, and SDRF teams. Despite challenging underwater conditions, our personnel are tirelessly working to locate the missing individuals and aid in recovery operations.'

Officials indicated that the submerged cruise ship is trapped at a depth of approximately 20 feet in the Bargi Dam reservoir, complicating visibility and recovery efforts. Medical care has also been provided to rescued passengers at the Military Hospital in Jabalpur.

As per district administration reports, 28 passengers have been rescued thus far, with three additional bodies recovered in the morning, including that of a mother and her four-year-old son, who were discovered together during the search. Their family had traveled from Delhi.

The incident occurred on April 30 when the tourist cruise lost stability and capsized due to sudden strong winds and adverse weather conditions near Khamariya Island. Officials noted that the vessel overturned quickly, leaving passengers with little time to respond.

Rescue teams, including the Army, NDRF, and SDRF, are continuing joint operations utilizing diving units, boats, aerial surveillance, and heavy machinery. Authorities have confirmed that search efforts will persist until all missing persons are accounted for.