Overloaded Boat Adrift in Chambal River; Collector and SP Take Charge

Passengers Stranded as Steamer Adrift in Chambal River; Collector and SP Intervene

Bhind | August 16, 2026 | Reporter: Dipendra Bohare, The Cliff News

A major accident was averted today in the raging waters of the Chambal River in the Ater region of Bhind district. A steamer traveling from Morena with approximately 40 to 50 passengers became uncontrollable and began drifting in the strong current after running out of fuel. The vessel drifted near Kachhpura village in Bhind district, causing panic among the passengers.

Upon receiving information about the incident, Bhind Collector Kirodi Lal Meena and Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Verma, along with Ater SDOP Ravindra Vaskale, immediately rushed to the scene with administrative and police personnel. They initiated a large-scale relief and rescue operation with the assistance of local divers and rescue teams. Thanks to the prompt intervention and efficient management by the officials, more than two dozen passengers were safely brought ashore.

Boat Loses Control Due to Fuel Exhaustion

According to the information received, the steamer had departed from Morena with passengers. Midway through the journey, the boat's fuel ran out, causing the engine to stop. The fierce current of the Chambal River made the steamer uncontrollable, and it started drifting rapidly.

The lives of all 40-50 passengers, including women and children on board, were in peril, and they began to cry out for help. The drifting steamer eventually became stuck near the ghat of Kachhpura village in the Ater tehsil of Bhind district.

Rescue Operation Under Top Officials' Supervision

As soon as the district administration received news of the boat getting stuck near Kachhpura village, they acted swiftly. The Collector and Superintendent of Police inspected the site without delay and commenced the rescue operation under their supervision.

With the help of ropes and other available boats, the steamer was safely tethered to the shore. Subsequently, all passengers were safely disembarked one by one. Upon reaching the safety of the shore, the passengers breathed a sigh of relief and commended the prompt and effective action of the district administration and police.

Collector Confirms No Loss of Life

"As soon as we received information about the steamer drifting into the Ater area in the Chambal River and passengers being stranded, our team immediately reached the spot. All passengers have been safely brought out. There has been no loss of life whatsoever. Arrangements for first aid and onward travel for the passengers have been made," confirmed Bhind Collector Kirodi Lal Meena.