Two sightseeing boats in China’s Guizhou province capsized, killing three people and leaving 14 missing as a massive rescue operation involving hundreds of personnel racing against time to find survivors.
Key Takeaways
- Three people died and 14 remain missing after two sightseeing boats carrying approximately 70 passengers capsized in Qianxi city, Guizhou province
- 60 people have been hospitalized following the incident, which occurred at a tourist attraction on May 4, 2025
- An extensive rescue operation involving 83 divers, 16 underwater robots, 248 rescue personnel, and 24 vessels has been deployed
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for all-out rescue efforts and stronger safety measures at tourist attractions
- This incident follows another fatal boat collision in Hunan province two months ago that killed 11 people
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
A major rescue effort is in progress after two sightseeing boats capsized in Qianxi city, located in China’s southwestern Guizhou province. The boats, carrying approximately 70 tourists, overturned unexpectedly, plunging all passengers into the water. Emergency responders have confirmed three fatalities, while 14 individuals remain unaccounted for. The majority of those rescued, around 60 people, have been transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the boats to capsize.
Chinese officials have mobilized significant resources for the search and rescue operation. The mission currently involves 83 specialized divers, 16 underwater robots equipped with advanced detection capabilities, 248 rescue personnel, and a fleet of 24 vessels patrolling the waters. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has traveled to the site to personally oversee the rescue efforts, highlighting the government’s urgent response to the tragedy. Local emergency management departments are coordinating with national agencies to maximize the efficiency of search operations.
Three dead and 14 missing after two sightseeing boats carrying tourists capsize in China https://t.co/l6l8j8xX7S
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) May 4, 2025
National Leadership Response
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued directives emphasizing the critical nature of the rescue operation. The president called for “all-out efforts” to locate missing persons and provide proper medical treatment to survivors. His instructions specifically noted the importance of implementing stronger safety protocols at tourist attractions across the country to prevent similar incidents in the future. The high-level response underscores the severity of the situation and places pressure on local officials to enhance oversight of recreational boating activities.
The Guizhou provincial government has established an emergency command center at the site to coordinate rescue teams and provide timely updates to family members awaiting news about missing loved ones. Weather conditions and water visibility pose challenges for rescuers who continue working around the clock. Medical teams remain on standby at local hospitals to receive additional survivors as they are located and rescued from the waters.
Pattern of Maritime Safety Concerns
This devastating incident follows another fatal boat accident in central China’s Hunan province just two months earlier. In that case, a passenger boat collided with an industrial vessel, resulting in 11 deaths. The Hunan accident triggered a similar large-scale rescue operation under challenging conditions, with deep waters and strong currents hampering recovery efforts. Police have detained three people from the oil waste recovery vessel involved in that collision as investigations continue.
The proximity of these two serious maritime accidents has raised questions about waterway safety management throughout China’s inland tourism industry. Transportation safety experts have pointed to potential gaps in regulatory enforcement and operator training that may contribute to such incidents. As tourist activities continue to expand in China’s scenic river areas, the pressure increases on authorities to balance economic development with stringent safety measures that protect both domestic and international visitors.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has announced a nationwide safety inspection of all commercial passenger vessels operating in tourist areas, with immediate effect. The inspection will focus on vessel maintenance records, crew certification, passenger capacity limits, and emergency response protocols. Officials have warned that operators found violating safety regulations will face severe penalties, including permanent revocation of operating licenses.
Sources:
- Three dead and 14 missing after two sightseeing boats carrying tourists capsize in China
- Three dead and 14 missing after two sightseeing boats carrying tourists capsize in China
