New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The search and rescue operation following the Bargi Dam cruise accident in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur continued on Friday, even though nine people remained missing after the vessel capsized during a sudden storm a day earlier.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Rakesh Singh said the difficult conditions had slowed down rescue efforts. He stated, “Yesterday, you must have seen that water was continuously flowing in; it was dark, and the depth of the water was also very high. Therefore, it was natural that the rescue operation could not proceed smoothly. NDRF teams are here. Five dead bodies have been recovered by the rescue teams, and we hope the rescue teams will complete the process soon.”

Officials confirmed that at least six people have died so far in the incident. Four bodies were recovered on Friday morning alone, most of them women. Around 24 people have been rescued so far, while several others are still missing.

The incident took place on Thursday, around 5.30 p.m. at the Bargi Dam area in Bhedaghat, when a cruise boat carrying more than 40 tourists suddenly capsized amid severe weather conditions.

Jabalpur Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay said the vessel, operated under the state tourism department, overturned due to a sudden storm and strong winds that had been prevailing since the morning.

Search operations involving NDRF and local teams continued through the night and resumed early Friday amid challenging conditions caused by high water levels and poor visibility.

Authorities have released a list of missing persons, which includes Shree Tamil Viraj Soni, Mayuram, Poonam Thapa, Jyoti Shrivas, Trishan/Jahaan, Pradeep Macy, Marina Macy, and Kamaraj.

The deceased have been identified as Shreetu Soni, Shaubhagyam Alagan, Madhur Macy, Kakulaajhi, Reshma Sayeed, and Shamim Naqvi. Officials said further identification and verification are underway as rescue teams continue search operations to trace the remaining missing passengers.

–IANS

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