10 Killed in Boat Mishap in China

China : A tragic boating accident in China’s southwestern Guizhou province has claimed the lives of ten people after strong, sudden winds capsized four tourist boats, plunging 84 people into the water. The incident occurred yesterday and has prompted a large-scale rescue and relief operation involving nearly 500 emergency personnel.

According to state media, the capsizing was caused by a swift and unexpected change in weather conditions that caught the boats off guard while they were ferrying tourists. While most of the passengers were rescued in time, the bodies of ten victims have been recovered so far. Efforts are ongoing to locate one person who remains missing.

The local authorities quickly launched an extensive rescue operation, deploying search teams, medical staff, and divers. Rescue boats and helicopters were also involved in the mission to locate and assist those who had been thrown into the water.

President Xi Jinping has expressed deep concern over the tragedy and issued directives to the Guizhou provincial authorities, urging them to strengthen safety oversight, particularly in tourist locations and other public venues that are prone to large gatherings. In his statement, he emphasized the need for proactive risk assessments and better emergency response mechanisms to prevent such accidents from recurring.

The President’s message comes amid rising concerns over safety lapses at various tourist spots across the country, especially during peak travel seasons. China’s rapid growth in domestic tourism has often outpaced safety regulations and preparedness, and incidents like this have drawn attention to the gaps in safety infrastructure.

Authorities have also launched an investigation to determine whether the boats involved were adhering to proper safety protocols, such as life jacket availability, weather advisories, and capacity limits. Eyewitness accounts and survivor statements are being recorded as part of the probe.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, and officials have stated that the families of the victims are being informed and offered support.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the region’s tourism activities and raised questions about the need for stricter safety norms, especially in scenic but potentially hazardous natural environments.