In a tragic event reported by Chinese state media, a sudden storm in southwestern China led to the capsizing of four boats at a popular tourist destination, resulting in 10 fatalities. The incident occurred late Sunday afternoon in Guizhou province when a powerful windstorm swept through, causing more than 80 individuals to fall into the river at a scenic area.
The boats overturned following an abrupt weather change that brought rain and hail on the upper stretches of the Wu River, a tributary of the Yangtze, China’s longest river. In a video aired by state media, a man was seen administering CPR to another person as one of the capsized vessels floated past upside down.
Initial assessments suggested that two tourist boats were involved in the incident, but further updates from state media on Monday confirmed that four boats had actually been affected. Fortunately, the additional two boats had no passengers on board, and the seven crew members managed to escape unharmed, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The picturesque rivers and mountains of Guizhou attract numerous tourists, particularly noticeable during the five-day national holiday that concluded on Monday. In response to the incident, President Xi Jinping issued a call for exhaustive efforts to locate the missing and provide care for the injured, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency. Of the individuals affected, 70 were transported to hospitals, mostly with minor injuries.
President Xi highlighted the recent spate of fatal incidents across the country, stressing the need for enhanced safety measures at tourist sites, large public events, and communities, especially during periods when many people are traveling. CCTV clarified that the capsized boats were not operating over their limit, with each having a capacity for about 40 people.
A firsthand account from an eyewitness, shared through the state-run Beijing News, described the river as being deep, though some individuals managed to swim to safety amidst the chaotic scene. However, the suddenness of the storm and a thick mist that covered the river’s surface made rescue operations challenging.