Ten Dead, Several Injured After Storm Capsized Four Tourist Boats in China

At least 10 people have died and 70 others were hospitalized after four tourist boats capsized in China. The incident took place on Sunday at around 4pm local time, as the boats were navigating a river in Qianxi city, located in the southwest of the country. Strong winds struck the vessels, causing them to overturn, and approximately 84 people were believed to have fallen into the water.

Of the passengers, 70 were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, while four others, who were rescued, did not require medical treatment. According to an eyewitness report shared with Beijing News, a sudden storm appeared, bringing thick mist that severely reduced visibility.

Initial investigations revealed that the boats were not overloaded with passengers at the time of the incident. The tragedy occurred during the May Day holiday, a peak travel period in China. In response to the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” in the ongoing search and rescue operations, with Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing being sent to the scene to oversee the efforts.

Xi also stressed the importance of enhancing safety measures at tourist spots and other large public venues. This capsizing tragedy comes just over two months after another boat accident in central China, which claimed the lives of 11 people when a passenger vessel collided with an industrial ship in Hunan province, throwing 19 people overboard.

The authorities are continuing their investigation into the causes of this latest tragic event.

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