NEW DELHI (The Statesman/ANN): Rescue teams fanned out across the Bargi Dam reservoir in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday (May 2), intensifying efforts to trace four people still missing after a cruise boat capsized earlier this week, a tragedy that has already claimed nine lives.
The accident, which occurred on the evening of April 30 in the Narmada backwaters, has triggered a large-scale rescue effort involving the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
While 28 passengers were pulled out alive, officials said four individuals, including three children, remain untraced.
Search radius expanded, focus on recovery
With no fresh recoveries reported since May 1, authorities have widened the search zone to a 5km stretch downstream. Army divers and specialised teams are combing deep waters as part of the ongoing operation.
Speaking to IANS, city superintendent of police (Bargi zone) Anjul Ayank Mishra said the police have so far registered a “merg” under Section 174 of the CrPC.
He added that a formal FIR will be registered once the recovery process is complete.
“As of now the police have registered “merg” (intimation report under Section 174 of CrPC) in the case and only after the recovery of all bodies would further investigation be initiated. First, all bodies need to be recovered,” Mr Mishra said.
Meanwhile, SDOP Lokesh Dawar told ANI that search operations resumed early on May 2 morning, with multiple agencies continuing their efforts.
“Rescue operation resumed around 6am today. NDRF, SDRF and the Army teams are continuously carrying out the search operation… We have not received any information about any more bodies or survivors so far,” he said.
Captain recounts final moments before capsizing
As the rescue operation continues, the boat’s captain, Mahesh Patel, has described how the situation spiralled within minutes despite initial calm conditions.
According to ANI, Mr Patel said the cruise began normally before weather conditions changed abruptly.
“I set out from here at 5.16pm. When I started, there was no storm or anything,” he said.
Roughly 20 minutes into the journey, he decided to return as winds intensified.
“We had been out for 22 minutes, and then I thought we should return… the wind started blowing hard. I instructed the cruise staff to give everyone life jackets,” he said.
However, the situation worsened rapidly, with strong winds and high waves affecting navigation.
“It takes about 10 minutes to reach the shore, but the boat didn’t reach it, and it overturned,” he said.
Mr Patel claimed that although life jackets were distributed, some passengers did not wear them.
“Some people were dancing downstairs… they were not wearing life jackets,” he said.
He added that water began entering the vessel quickly.
“Maybe five to seven minutes… it was submerged, and then it capsized,” he said.
The captain said he managed to pull out a few children before escaping.
“I pulled out three to four children… everyone was screaming. I was among the last to get out,” he said.
Questions over safety measures, rescue preparedness
Mr Patel also pointed to the absence of a rescue boat, saying it was not deployed that day due to staff shortage. He, however, suggested that the intensity of the storm could have made rescue attempts difficult.
Authorities said the probe will examine safety compliance, including passenger capacity, availability of life-saving equipment, and preparedness for sudden weather changes.
The incident has once again put the spotlight on safety lapses in tourist boating, particularly in reservoirs where the weather can turn without much warning.
On the banks of the reservoir, families of the missing continue to wait anxiously as divers scan the waters. Officials said the search remains the top priority, with teams working through challenging conditions across the vast backwater stretch. -- THE STATESMAN/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
