Tragedy Strikes as Boat Capsizes in Jabalpur: Death Toll Reaches 13

The tragic boat capsize in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed 13 lives as the search for missing persons concluded on Sunday. Rescuers recovered the bodies of the last two individuals, a five-year-old boy named Mayuram and his uncle Kamraj, who was in his fifties, from the Bargi dam, according to local officials.

The incident occurred on Thursday when a state tourism department-operated cruise boat capsized during a sudden storm while navigating the Bargi dam area. At the time of the mishap, reports indicate that there were 41 passengers aboard, of which 28 were rescued. The swift response involved a massive search operation, engaging over 200 personnel, including teams from the Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Emergency Response Force, and local divers, who worked tirelessly for three days to locate the missing individuals.

In the wake of this devastating event, Madhya Pradesh’s government has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities have taken immediate action by dismissing three crew members and putting a temporary halt to the operation of similar vessels until a thorough review can be conducted. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the public that strict action will be enforced against anyone found culpable in this tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each victim. Those who were injured in the incident will receive Rs 50,000. This financial assistance aims to provide some relief to the affected families during this difficult time.

This incident highlights the pressing need for stringent safety measures and protocols for tourist vessels, especially in regions prone to unpredictable weather conditions. As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial for authorities to ensure the safety of passengers to prevent such calamities in the future.

Source: scroll.in