A tragic boating accident struck China’s Wu River in Guizhou province during the May Day holiday, killing nine people and leaving one still missing. The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, when four tourist boats capsized due to a sudden storm while ferrying over 80 tourists. Emergency teams rescued dozens from the water, but despite rapid response efforts, several passengers could not be saved. This accident has raised serious concerns over tourist safety during national holidays in China.
Sudden Storm Causes Wu River Boat Capsizing
A tour boat capsized near Liuchong River’s Dongfeng Reservoir in Qianxi, Guizhou, after heavy rain hit the area around 4pm. Around 70 people, including crew, fell into the water. Over 50 have been rescued as of 7pm, with search efforts ongoing. #Guizhou #BoatAccident pic.twitter.com/rVad1ikwTB
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According to China Central Television (CCTV), the four boats capsized near Zunyi city after strong winds and heavy rainfall hit the region without warning. Tourists were enjoying leisure activities on the scenic Wu River when the storm struck. As reported by Associated Press, the boats were not overloaded, each carrying around 40 people, which fell within legal passenger limits. Despite the numbers, the storm’s suddenness overwhelmed the vessels, causing them to flip.
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Eyewitness accounts shared by local media described chaotic scenes, with poor visibility due to mist and rough waters making it hard for people to swim to safety. Some passengers managed to reach the shore, while others remained stranded until rescue boats arrived.
Rescue Operation And Government Response
Rescue teams responded promptly with boats and divers searching the waters for survivors. As reported by Xinhua News Agency, over 30 emergency workers joined the search, along with local authorities. By Monday morning, the teams recovered nine bodies, with one person still unaccounted for. Survivors received medical assistance and counselling as authorities continued search efforts.
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The Chinese government initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the capsizing. According to Global Times, the Ministry of Transport urged local administrations to strengthen safety regulations, particularly during public holidays, when water activities see a surge in tourist numbers.
Safety Issues In China’s Tourism Sector
The Wu River boat capsizing reflects ongoing challenges in tourist safety across China. Despite clear weather protocols and licensing requirements for commercial boating, enforcement remains inconsistent. The tragedy occurred during one of China’s busiest travel seasons, making it even more vital to address safety gaps.
As reported by CNN, the Chinese government has made repeated efforts to reduce fatalities linked to public transport and tourism. However, the frequent occurrence of such disasters highlights the need for better weather monitoring and stricter safety checks for tourist vessels.
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