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Bargi Dam tragedy: Bodies of mother, son found in final embrace
A Bargi Dam boat carrying more than 40 people capsized during a storm near Jabalpur on April 30, 2026. Merina Massey and her son Trishan were found together in the same life-jacket after rescuers pulled them from the water; Merina's sister Treeza and other family members were later informed of the deaths. The family had traveled from Delhi for a housewarming and had planned a boat ride before returning home.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores safety risks on river cruises and the human impact of water accidents on a single family spanning multiple generations.
Timeline
7 Events
Treeza learns sister and nephew drowned
May 1, 2026
On Friday morning, Treeza learned that her sister Merina and nephew Trishan had drowned.
Treeza learns of mother's death
April 30, 2026
Treeza learned around 7:30 pm that her mother, Madhu Massey, had died.
Rescue: Merina and Trishan pulled from water
April 30, 2026
Rescuers pulled Merina and her son Trishan from the water at around 10:00 pm; they were still together inside the same life-jacket, locked in an embrace.
Narmada Queen capsizes at Bargi Dam
April 30, 2026
The Bargi Dam boat, Narmada Queen, capsized at approximately 6:13 pm in rough waves; locals estimate the vessel carried at least 43 people.
6:07 pm second call reporting drowning
April 30, 2026
Merina called again in a hysterical voice, crying that they were drowning and asking for prayers before the call got disconnected.
5:30 pm video call from Merina aboard Bargi Dam boat
April 30, 2026
Merina called Treeza to show the Bargi Dam reservoir and the boat, with hair blowing in the wind and no one wearing life jackets.
Family departs Delhi for Jabalpur ahead of Bargi Dam trip
April 28, 2026
The Chauhan-Verma family left Delhi on Tuesday to attend a housewarming in Jabalpur and planned to take a Bargi Dam boat ride on Thursday, with plans to return on Saturday.