Tourist Boat Capsizes in Madhya Pradesh Reservoir, Killing Four and Leaving 18 Missing

BHOPAL, Madhya Pradesh — Four people died and 18 others were missing after a tourist boat capsized Thursday evening in the Bargi Dam reservoir near Jabalpur, authorities said.

The accident occurred near Khamariya Island, a popular destination in the Narmada River backwaters, after a sudden storm brought strong winds and rough water to the area.

Preliminary reports from police and local officials indicated the bimini-top tourist boat was carrying more than 30 passengers when the weather worsened. The boat lost stability in the turbulent water and overturned, throwing passengers into the reservoir.

Rescue teams from Bargi Police and the State Disaster Response Force were sent to the scene soon after the alarm was raised. Local divers also joined the search.

Anjul Ayank Mishra, city superintendent of police for the Bargi zone, said four bodies had been recovered. Fifteen people were rescued, while about 18 others remained unaccounted for. Officials said the figures could change as authorities verify passenger details with survivors and available records.

The Bargi Dam reservoir is a major water tourism site in Madhya Pradesh, with evening boat rides drawing visitors to the region. Witnesses described chaotic conditions as the sky darkened and powerful winds swept across the water, leaving the crew little time to reach safety.

Local officials said the storm appeared to be the primary cause of the capsizing, with the intensity of the wind and waves overwhelming the boat.

Search operations continued into the evening despite fading light and difficult conditions across the wide reservoir. Divers were focusing on the area around the submerged boat and nearby currents close to Khamariya Island.

Regional authorities expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said all available resources were being used to locate the missing passengers. (Source: IANS)