Nine people have died and several others remain missing after a cruise boat capsized at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur on Thursday evening, triggering a large-scale rescue operation that continued for more than 40 hours amid difficult weather conditions and fading hopes of finding survivors. Boat pilot Mahesh Patel, who was operating the vessel at the time of the accident, told NDTV that the journey began under normal weather conditions after departing from Khamariya island. However, he said strong winds began picking up mid-way across the water. According to Patel, no official warning or instruction was issued to turn back despite the changing weather conditions.

Patel stated that as the storm intensified and waves began striking the boat, he made the decision to return to shore. He claimed that passengers began panicking when water started entering the vessel. He also said he immediately alerted the ground team and requested that another boat be dispatched for evacuation assistance as the situation worsened.

Some survivors have alleged that passengers had sensed danger and requested the crew to turn back earlier, but Patel denied this claim. He also addressed criticism over safety measures, saying that many passengers initially refused to wear life jackets while they were on board enjoying the cruise.

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Within approximately 30 minutes of departure, the situation escalated into what Patel described as an uncontrollable emergency. He said the engine room flooded, causing the vessel to lose power and drift without control. Patel, who has 15 years of experience as a boat pilot, said he and two crew members attempted to distribute life jackets and assist passengers until the final moments, adding that he was the last person to leave the sinking boat.

Rescue teams have so far recovered nine bodies, including that of a woman and her son found together, while 28 people were rescued and four remain missing. Among the survivors was a 72-year-old man who reportedly survived by finding a pocket of air underwater before being rescued after nearly four hours. Officials confirmed that search operations continue despite challenging conditions.

Following the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced strict action against those responsible and said a Standard Operating Procedure for cruise operations would be developed. The state tourism minister also confirmed a detailed investigation into safety compliance, including the use of life jackets. Patel, who has been terminated along with two other staff members, said he is “traumatised,” unable to eat or sleep, and apologised for the tragedy, adding that his family depended on his ₹27,000 monthly salary.

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