May 1, 2026: In a deeply emotional moment during rescue operations at Bargi Dam, divers recovered the body of a woman still holding her child inside a capsized tourist boat. The incident, which unfolded in the reservoir of the Narmada River, has left rescuers shaken. The tragedy occurred after the boat overturned during a storm, with the death toll rising to nine on Friday.
Divers described the recovery as one of the most haunting moments of their careers. A member of the Agra-based team said the operation was extremely difficult due to the cramped and dangerous conditions inside the submerged vessel. “We were shocked to see the scene,” the diver said, explaining that the woman was tightly hugging her child, making it difficult to separate them. Jagged iron rods and narrow passages forced rescuers to break openings with hammers, while one diver narrowly escaped being trapped during the operation.
According to officials, eight women and one child have been recovered so far, while 28 passengers were rescued and four remain missing. Although tickets were issued for 29 यात्रियों, survivors claimed the boat was carrying up to 45 people, raising concerns of overcrowding. Rescue efforts have intensified with support from the army, a helicopter from Hyderabad, and a paramilitary team from Kolkata. Superintendent Anjul Mishra confirmed that heavy machinery is being used to retrieve the vessel submerged 20 feet underwater, while Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is expected to visit Jabalpur.