Storm capsizes boats in China’s Guizhou Province, killing 10, injuring 70

A sudden storm in China’s southwestern Guizhou province has capsized four boats on the Wu River, leaving 10 people dead and injuring at least 70, according to state media reports on Monday.

The incident occurred Sunday afternoon near Qianxi City when a powerful rain and hailstorm struck a group of vessels navigating a scenic stretch of the river, a tributary of the Yangtze. More than 80 people were thrown into the water.

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Rescue operations continued overnight. Initial reports confirmed nine deaths and one person missing. However, by midday Monday, rescue teams recovered the body of the last missing individual, who showed no signs of life, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Footage shared by state media showed chaotic scenes, including one man administering CPR as a boat floated upside-down nearby.

Authorities initially believed only two tourist boats had capsized, but CCTV later clarified that four vessels were involved. Two were carrying passengers, while the others were empty at the time. All seven crew members aboard the empty boats managed to swim to safety.

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Eyewitnesses described how the storm arrived suddenly, with thick mist severely reducing visibility. Some passengers were able to reach the shore on their own.

State media said the boats were operating within capacity, each certified to carry up to 40 people. There were no reports of overloading.

In response to the tragedy, over 500 emergency personnel were deployed for search and rescue efforts.
President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out efforts” to rescue survivors and care for the injured, according to state news agency Xinhua. He also stressed the urgent need to strengthen safety protocols at tourist attractions and other crowded public venues, especially in light of several recent deadly incidents nationwide.

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The Wu River, known for its picturesque routes through Guizhou’s mountainous terrain, attracts large numbers of domestic tourists, particularly during national holidays. This year’s May Day holiday, from May 1 to May 5, saw a surge in travel, with many popular destinations overwhelmed by crowds.