In a devastating incident on Sunday, two tourist boats capsized on a river in Qianxi city, Guizhou province, southwestern China, resulting in three fatalities and 60 hospitalizations. The accident, which occurred in the early afternoon, saw approximately 70 passengers thrown into the turbulent waters of the river, sparking an urgent rescue operation that continued into the evening.
Local authorities reported that the boats, carrying tourists exploring the scenic river, overturned under circumstances that remain under investigation. Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed, pulling survivors from the water and rushing the injured to nearby hospitals. As of Sunday night, 14 individuals remained unaccounted for, with search and rescue efforts ongoing in the challenging river conditions.
China’s leadership responded promptly, with President Xi Jinping calling for exhaustive efforts to locate the missing and provide medical care to those injured. “Every second counts in saving lives,” Xi emphasized, directing resources to support the operation. The incident has cast a shadow over the region, a popular destination for domestic tourists seeking natural beauty.
This tragedy follows another deadly maritime accident just over two months ago in Hunan province, where a passenger boat collided with an industrial vessel, claiming 11 lives. That incident, which saw 19 people thrown into the water, raised concerns about safety standards for tourist vessels across the country. Authorities have since vowed to tighten regulations, but Sunday’s capsizing suggests persistent challenges in ensuring passenger safety.
Residents of Qianxi expressed shock at the news, with many gathering near the river to offer support to rescue teams. “This is a place where families come to enjoy themselves,” said one local. “No one expects something like this to happen.”
As the investigation unfolds, questions are being raised about the maintenance of the boats and the training of their operators. The government has promised a thorough inquiry to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies. For now, the focus remains on the rescue mission, with hopes of finding the missing passengers
