Madhya Pradesh Boat Tragedy: Death Toll Rises To Six, 15 People Rescued As Rescue Operations Continue

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 08:05 IST

Death toll in Madhya Pradesh Bargi Dam boat tragedy rises to six, 22 rescued. NDRF and SDRF continue search for missing persons.

The death toll in the Madhya Pradesh boat tragedy has increased to six after two more bodies were recovered as rescue operations continued through the night. A boat carrying at least 29 passengers and two crew members sank at the Bargi Dam near Jabalpur on Thursday evening.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) carried out search operations overnight, trying to locate victims and retrieve the sunken vessel. The rescue work gained pace on Friday morning, with heavy machinery, including a crane, being used to pull the cruise out of the water. Officials said the exact number of casualties will only be confirmed once the vessel is fully recovered.

According to initial reports, 22 people have been rescued, while the search is still on for several others believed to be missing. Senior officials, including ministers and top police and administrative officers, remained present at the site throughout the night to oversee the operation.

According to the eyewitnesses, strong winds may have contributed to the incident.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took cognisance of the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.

‘Staff Did Not Provide Life Jackets’

A survivor told reporters that the crew members on the boat did not provide life jackets to passengers, and that they had to arrange them on their own. “…My son and wife are missing. I got hurt when the mirror on the cruise boat broke after hitting a wave. The staff did not provide us with life jackets; we arranged them and distributed them ourselves…" he was quoted as saying by ANI.

According to the officials, a total of 29 tickets were issued for the cruise in the Bargi dam reservoir.

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