(China, May 5) A tourist boat capsized in Guizhou waters on the afternoon of May 4, causing 84 passengers to fall into the river. As of early May 5, 83 individuals have been rescued or found, with 9 confirmed dead.
The incident occurred in the Liu Guang River section of the Wujiang Hundred-Mile Gallery Scenic Area, located in Xiren Township, Qianxi City, Bijie, Guizhou. The boat capsized due to sudden strong winds.
According to the latest report from Xinhua News Agency at 7 a.m. on May 5, 83 people have been rescued or located. Among them, 9 succumbed to their injuries, 70 are receiving treatment at the hospital (none are in critical condition), and 4 remain unharmed. One individual is still missing.
Investigations revealed that the operating vessel belongs to the Qingzhen City Xindian Town Donghu Agricultural Passenger Transport Company. Both boats involved in the incident were within their maximum capacity of 40 passengers and were not overloaded.
At approximately 4 p.m. on May 4, heavy rainfall occurred over the Liuchong River, an upstream section of the Wujiang River, where two tourist boats were navigating. Both boats capsized during the storm.
In response to the accident, the Guizhou Provincial Fire and Rescue Department dispatched 8 teams, consisting of 84 vehicles, 248 personnel (including 83 divers), 16 underwater robots, and 24 boats, to carry out rescue operations at the scene.