Tragedy in Guizhou: 3 Dead, 14 Missing After Two Boats Capsize in Sudden Storm
Date: 05-may-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team
At least three people have died and 14 remain missing after two tourist boats capsized in southwest China’s Guizhou province during a sudden and severe storm on May 4, 2025. The incident occurred in Qianxi City, where the Wu River, a major tributary of the Yangtze, is known for drawing both domestic and international tourists due to its picturesque mountain landscapes and scenic waters.
Boats Overturned Amid Sudden Hailstorm
According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, the boats—carrying an estimated 70 passengers—were struck by a sudden burst of rain, hail, and strong winds in the afternoon, causing both vessels to overturn. By Sunday evening, rescuers had pulled 50 people from the water. Search and rescue operations continued into the night, with teams combing the river for the remaining missing passengers.
One widely circulated video shared by Chinese media shows a man performing CPR on a victim while one of the boats drifts upside down in the swollen river. Witnesses said the storm struck without warning, with thick mist obscuring visibility and creating panic among the passengers.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
President Xi Jinping has ordered an “all-out effort” to find the missing and provide care for the injured. Emergency response teams from multiple agencies have been deployed, using sonar equipment and divers to search the deep and fast-moving waters of the Wu River.
China has made repeated efforts to improve transport safety, particularly around public holidays, but problems such as vessel overloading, outdated equipment, and inadequate safety protocols persist. The May Day holiday, during which this accident occurred, is traditionally a time of heavy tourist activity across the country.
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Eyewitness Reports and Public Reaction
One survivor told Beijing News that some passengers were able to swim to shore, but the storm came on so quickly that many were caught off-guard. “There was no time to think—just waves, wind, and shouting. Then we saw the boats go under,” the witness said.
As families await news of their loved ones, public concern over transportation safety has grown, with many questioning whether tour operators were adequately prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountainous region.
Tourism and Safety in Guizhou
Guizhou, with its dramatic mountain landscapes and vibrant minority cultures, has increasingly promoted river tourism. However, this tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when weather forecasting, emergency preparedness, and enforcement of safety regulations fall short.
Authorities have vowed a full investigation into the cause of the accident and potential accountability for tour operators.
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