The horrific boating accident in Jabalpur on April 30 during what was supposed to be a routine trip left families grieving and triggered a massive search and rescue operation. New videos have emerged on social media showing the last alarming moments before the tragedy, including water filling the boat and crew members apparently unpacking their life jackets.
Officials confirmed that nine bodies have been recovered so far, while 28 individuals were rescued shortly after the incident. Several others remain missing, prompting authorities to continue searching the area.
(LiveMint could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos)
SDOP Lokesh Dawar said the rescue operation resumed at around 6 am, with teams from the NDRF, SDRF and the Army continuing search efforts. He noted that divers have also been actively involved since morning, but according to ANI, no more bodies or survivors have been found yet.
Several agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and Army personnel are still combing the water body and nearby areas while divers conduct an underwater search to find those who remain missing.
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Officials added that an investigation into the incident is ongoing, focusing on safety protocols, personnel conditions and weather preparedness.
Jabalpur shipwreck: Survivor recounts horror
Delhi resident Sangeeta Kori, one of the survivors, claimed the ship was carrying around 40 passengers, including children without tickets. She claimed the driver ignored warnings from local residents to move to safety when the weather suddenly worsened.
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“None of the passengers were wearing life jackets. They were just inside. When water started entering the boat, they tried to separate them, but it led to panic and fights. Within moments, the boat capsized,” Kori told PTI.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and said that the locals who risked their lives to save the tourists would be honored for their bravery on Independence Day. He also said the tourism department would investigate the accident, which was triggered by a seasonal cyclone, to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Read also | Death toll in Jabalpur accident rises to five
The tourism department on Friday dismissed cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, assistant Chhotelal Gonda and ticket counter Brijendra for alleged negligence. Meanwhile, Sunil Maravi, manager of Hotel Maikal Resort and Boat Club Bargi, has been suspended. Officials added that regional manager Sanjay Malhotra has been transferred to the headquarters in Bhopal and a departmental inquiry has been launched.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly Umang Singhar visited the spot and alleged negligence on the part of the tourism department was responsible for the incident. “They are operating a cruise ship without mandatory weather instruments,” PTI quoted Singh as saying.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the tragedy and announced financial assistance ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of those who lost their lives, along with Rs ₹50 thousand for the injured.
