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Mother and son in one life jacket among Jabalpur boat capsizing victims
The Bargi Dam boat Narmada Queen capsized near Jabalpur on May 1, 2026, with about 43 people aboard. Merina Massey, her mother Madhu Massey, and her son Trishan died, while other relatives survived; the tragedy continued to unfold into May 2 with recoveries and confirmations of casualties.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights safety concerns around inland tourist boat operations, including life jacket access and real-time distress responses, prompting scrutiny of procedures on such vessels.
Timeline
9 Events
Casualties confirmed: Merina, Madhu Massey, and Trishan did not survive
May 2, 2026
Merina, her mother Madhu Massey, and her son Trishan did not survive the incident.
Divers recover bodies near wreckage
May 2, 2026
Divers from Agra, veterans of many rescues, recovered bodies near the wreckage; one diver described the scene as families grieving and noted the mother–son embrace.
Morning update: sister and nephew drowned confirmed
May 2, 2026
Treeza said it was only on Friday morning that she learned that her sister Merina and her nephew Trishan had drowned.
Treeza learns of her mother's death
May 1, 2026
Treeza said she learned by 7:30 pm on Thursday that her mother had died.
Rescue efforts during capsizing
May 1, 2026
During the rescue, Merina clung to her son Trishan while Pradeep, who knew how to swim, stayed with their daughter Siya; Julius helped retrieve a tube and several others were saved with ropes.
Narmada Queen capsizes with dozens aboard
May 1, 2026
The Narmada Queen capsized at approximately 6:13 pm, with locals estimating the boat carried at least 43 people.
Second call as passengers struggle; plea to be saved
May 1, 2026
The next call came at 6:07 pm. Merina was hysterical, crying that they were drowning, asked Treeza to pray for them, said 'save us' and then the call disconnected.
Video call shows Bargi Dam ride; no life jackets observed
May 1, 2026
Around 5:30 pm, Treeza Chauhan received a video call from her sister Merina aboard the Bargi Dam reservoir boat, showing the dam and water, with no life jackets visible.
Family departs Delhi for Jabalpur to attend housewarming and plans a Bargi Dam ride
April 28, 2026
The six-member family left Delhi on Tuesday to attend Pradeep’s brother’s housewarming in Jabalpur, and decided to take the boat ride on Thursday before returning home on Saturday.