Frantic wait for life jackets: Video captures panic and chaos on MP cruise boat before it overturns

NEW DELHI: A video recorded from inside the ill-fated cruise at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur has surfaced, offering a glimpse into the moments before the vessel capsised, as questions mount over safety lapses and alleged negligence.The footage shows the boat already out on choppy water, with two people seen hurriedly unpacking life jackets. Several passengers, however, appear without them, reinforcing survivor accounts that safety gear was not distributed in time.Also read: Final moments of mother and son found holding each other in MP boat tragedyThe incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, has so far claimed nine lives, with six people still missing. Rescue teams comprising the Army, NDRF and SDRF continue search operations, even as disturbing details emerge about the final moments on board. Survivors have alleged that life jackets were stored away rather than issued at the outset, leading to a chaotic scramble as the vessel destabilised.During the rescue the body of a 39-year-old woman, Marina Massey, was found clutching her four-year-old son. Officials believe she attempted to shield him as water rapidly filled the lower cabin where they were trapped. Both were wearing life jackets, but the confined space likely left them with little chance to escape.Eyewitnesses said strong winds had made the water increasingly rough, prompting passengers to urge the crew to turn back. These warnings, however, were either unheard or acted upon too late. One survivor claimed the boat was overcrowded and that even children without tickets were onboard.The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has since sacked several staff members and launched an inquiry, while Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a ban on similar cruise operations pending investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced compensation for victims’ families.