Jabalpur boat tragedy: New video shows scramble for life jackets moments before disaster

A new video of the Jabalpur boat tragedy has surfaced on social media, showing passengers scrambling for life jackets moments before the vessel capsized.

The footage, captured inside a cruise boat at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, shows the final moments before the incident. The boat can be seen navigating rough waters, while two individuals are seen unpacking life jackets. Several passengers reportedly did not have life jackets, supporting survivor accounts that safety gear was not distributed in time.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, has claimed nine lives, with six people still missing. Rescue operations involving the Army, NDRF, and SDRF are ongoing. Survivors alleged that life jackets were stored away and not issued at the start of the trip, leading to chaos when the boat became unstable.


In a heartbreaking detail, the body of 39-year-old Marina Massey was recovered with her four-year-old son in her arms. Officials believe she was trying to protect him as water filled the lower cabin where they were trapped. Both were wearing life jackets, but the confined space hampered their escape.

Witnesses said strong winds had made the water increasingly rough, prompting passengers to urge the crew to turn back. These warnings were either ignored or acted upon too late. One survivor also claimed the boat was overcrowded, with even children onboard without tickets.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has taken action against those found responsible. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a suspension of similar cruise operations until the inquiry is complete. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced compensation for the victims' families.

On Friday, the state government sacked the cruise pilot, helper, and ticket counter in-charge following the accident.

Officials said strict action was taken against those responsible for negligence. Cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, helper Chhotelal Gond, and ticket counter in-charge Brijendra were dismissed. Sunil Maravi, manager of Hotel Maikal Resort and Boat Club Bargi, was suspended, while regional manager Sanjay Malhotra was transferred to the Tourism Department headquarters in Bhopal and a departmental inquiry has been initiated.

The cruise boat overturned during a storm in Bargi Dam on the Narmada river in Jabalpur district on Thursday evening, leaving nine dead and 28 rescued.