Jabalpur boat tragedy: Video shows sealed life jackets distributed after cruise began sinking| WATCH

A few newly surfaced videos from the Bargi Dam cruise capsizing incident in Madhya Pradesh show passengers scrambling for safety moments before the vessel overturned, intensifying allegations of violations of mandatory safety norms under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.

The footage, reportedly recorded inside the cruise near Jabalpur, captures water rapidly entering the vessel as it returned amid worsening weather conditions. Within seconds, the situation escalates as passengers are seen reacting in panic while the boat tilts and begins to flood.

The video also shows crew members untying bundled life jackets only after water had already started filling the interior. Several passengers appear without life jackets and are seen struggling to access safety equipment that was stored in sealed packets, as chaos spreads onboard.

The incident occurred earlier this week at Bargi Dam, where a sudden storm is believed to have triggered the capsizing. Officials said at least nine people have died and six remain missing following the disaster. A total of 29 passengers and two crew members were on board at the time of the accident, according to authorities.

However, survivors have alleged that the vessel was carrying around 40 people, including children, and that safety protocols were not followed. Eyewitness accounts also claim overcrowding and poor preparedness contributed to the tragedy.

ALSO READ: Bargi Dam tragedy: Crew sacked after Jabalpur capsizing, were safety lapses ignored?

Delhi resident Sangeeta Kori, one of the 16 rescued passengers, told PTI that life jackets were not distributed before departure as required under safety rules and were only brought out during the emergency.

“None of the passengers had worn life jackets. They were just kept somewhere inside. When the water started filling, they tried to distribute them, but it led to panic and scuffles. Within moments, the boat tipped over,” she said.

Kori also alleged that warnings from locals about deteriorating weather conditions were ignored and that the operator continued the journey despite visible storm risks.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, including a review of whether mandatory safety measures under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 were followed. The law requires all passengers to be provided with and properly wear life jackets before sailing.

The newly circulated videos are now being examined as key evidence to determine whether safety lapses and procedural negligence played a role in one of the region’s recent major boating tragedies.