“I apologise… I am traumatized”: Pilot’s chilling account of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh disaster that claimed 9 lives

In an aftermath of the Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh boat tragedy that claimed nine lives, the pilot of the ill-fated cruise has spoken out, describing the incident as deeply traumatic and overwhelming. Speaking to NDTV, boat pilot Mahesh Patel said he has been unable to “eat or sleep” since the accident, expressing grief and apologizing for the loss of lives.

According to NDTV’s report, the cruise had set off under normal weather conditions from near Khamariya Island. However, midway through the journey, strong winds began to rise and waves intensified. Patel stated that no immediate warning was issued to return, but as the situation worsened, he decided to turn the boat back towards the shore. "No warning or instruction was given to return due to bad weather," he said. 

Panic broke out when water started entering the vessel. The pilot said he alerted the ground teams for help and tried to ensure that as many passengers as possible wore life jackets as the boat began to sink. He also claimed that some passengers had initially refused to wear life jackets while enjoying the ride, though earlier reports had raised concerns about delays in distributing safety gear.
"Many passengers had initially refused life jackets, as they were dancing and enjoying themselves," Patel said.

The boat capsized within about 30 minutes of the journey. Officials confirmed that nine people died, several were rescued, and some were reported missing in the immediate aftermath.
Within just 30 minutes of the cruise setting off, what began as a weather disturbance turned into an unprecedented tragedy for boat pilot Mahesh Patel, who had 15 years of experience. As the situation worsened, the engine room flooded, causing him to lose control of the vessel. It was then he realized the boat would not make it back to shore.

Now terminated along with cruise helper Chhotelal Gond and ticket in charge Brijendra, Patel said the loss of his job would severely impact his family, which depended entirely on his modest income. “I apologise… I am traumatised, unable to eat or sleep,” he said, recalling the events of that day.
Mahesh Patel added that the dismissal will also affect his family, which had been surviving solely on the low salary he earned from the job.


Following the incident, authorities have terminated the services of the pilot and other staff and ordered an investigation into the tragedy, including possible safety lapses and weather related factors.

The incident continues to raise serious questions about safety preparedness and response during emergencies on tourist vessels.