Published: May 9, 2025
Qianxi, Guizhou Province, China – A severe and unexpected storm led to a tragic incident on the Wu River in southwestern China on Sunday, causing four tourist boats to capsize and resulting in confirmed fatalities and individuals still unaccounted for. The sudden weather event, marked by powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and hail, occurred in Qianxi city, within the Guizhou province, catching the vessels by surprise as they navigated the popular scenic waterway.
Initial reports following the incident on Sunday afternoon stated that two boats were involved; however, subsequent updates from state media clarified that a total of four tourist boats were impacted by the intense storm. Over 80 individuals were reported to be aboard the boats when the turbulent weather conditions rapidly developed.
As of Monday, authorities have confirmed that nine people have died as a result of the capsizing. Additionally, one individual remains missing, and approximately 70 people were rescued and subsequently hospitalized to receive treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. Emergency response teams and local authorities initiated extensive search and rescue operations immediately after the boats capsized and have continued their efforts into Monday to locate the missing person and provide necessary assistance to the survivors.
Eyewitnesses who were present during the event described the rapid onset of a violent rainstorm accompanied by significant hail, thunder, and strong gusts of wind. According to these accounts, the weather conditions deteriorated with remarkable speed, leaving those on the river with little opportunity to reach safety or seek shelter before the boats overturned.
Following the tragic event, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued an official directive emphasizing the need for an “all-out effort” in the ongoing rescue operations. He also stressed the importance of providing comprehensive care and support to those who were injured. Furthermore, authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances that led to the capsizing and to determine if all relevant safety regulations and protocols were properly followed by the boat operators.
The incident occurred during the May Day holiday, a period typically characterized by increased travel and tourism across China. The Wu River in Guizhou province is a well-known attraction, drawing numerous visitors to experience its natural beauty via boat tours. The timing of the storm during this peak travel period likely contributed to the high number of passengers aboard the affected vessels.
This unfortunate event underscores the inherent risks associated with water-based activities, particularly when confronted with sudden and severe weather changes. Authorities in the Guizhou province are anticipated to review current safety regulations and emergency response capabilities for tourist operations in the region following this tragedy. The focus remains on the continued search for the missing individual, and further updates are expected as the investigation into the incident progresses. The community and authorities are grappling with the loss of life and the impact of this sudden disaster on the affected families and the local tourism industry.
