Rescue teams recovered more bodies from the waters of Bargi Dam on Thursday, taking the death toll in the boat tragedy to nine, officials said. Among the most distressing recoveries was that of a woman found clutching a child inside the submerged vessel, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the panic that unfolded as the boat capsized.

According to local authorities, the incident occurred when an overcrowded boat sank in the reservoir, trapping several passengers. Divers and personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed soon after the mishap, working through challenging conditions to locate victims and search for any possible survivors. The recovery operation continued for hours as teams combed the area.

Officials indicated that the boat was carrying more passengers than permitted, a factor suspected to have contributed to the accident. Sudden imbalance or possible water ingress may have caused the vessel to overturn, though an exact cause will be confirmed following a detailed inquiry. Eyewitness accounts suggested that many passengers had little time to react as the boat began to sink.

Also Read: Samsung Posts Record Q1 Revenue, Warns Memory Shortage Will Persist Until 2027 or Beyond

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on safety compliance, passenger limits, and the availability of life-saving equipment on board. Questions have also been raised about enforcement of boating regulations at the popular tourist spot, which often sees heavy footfall.

Rescue operations have now shifted largely to recovery efforts, with officials fearing that the toll could rise if more bodies are located. Meanwhile, local administration has assured assistance to the families of the victims and reiterated the need for stricter adherence to safety norms to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Also Read: Aviation Turbine Fuel Prices Rise 5% for International Carriers, Domestic Rates Remain Unchanged