Mumbai: The recent boat tragedy in Jabalpur, which claimed 13 lives, has sparked widespread concern over passenger safety and regulatory lapses.
Reacting to the tragedy, actor Sonu Sood called for strict accountability, stressing that no boat should be allowed to operate unless every passenger is equipped with a life jacket.
“A while ago I tweeted about the Bihar boat tragedy, urging life jackets for every passenger. Then came Vrindavan… and now Madhya Pradesh, more lives lost the same way. How many more? It’s time to make it mandatory: no boat should leave without every passenger wearing a life jacket. We also need a govt portal where each trip uploads time-stamped proof of all passengers in life jackets before departure. Only strict accountability can save lives,” Sonu wrote on his X handle.
A while ago I tweeted about the Bihar boat tragedy, urging life jackets for every passenger. Then came Vrindavan… and now Madhya Pradesh, more lives lost the same way. How many more? It’s time to make it mandatory: no boat should leave without every passenger wearing a life… pic.twitter.com/M8wC3Grmz0
— sonu sood (@SonuSood) May 1, 2026
A tourist cruise carrying over 40 passengers capsized amid strong winds and rough waters in Jabalpur on April 30. Several passengers were thrown into the reservoir near Bargi Dam, triggering panic among those on board. Three children were among the victims.
Officials confirmed that all those who had been reported missing have now been accounted for.
Condoling the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the victims.
“The loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic mishap. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRE would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM’s office said.
Actor Bhumi Pednekar and singer Shilpa Rao were among celebrities who mourned the loss of lives.
