A sudden and violent storm struck the Wu River in Guizhou province, southwestern China, on Sunday, May 4, 2025, leading to the capsizing of four tourist boats. The incident resulted in the deaths of 10 people and left 70 others hospitalized. The tragedy occurred during China’s five-day May Day holiday, a peak period for domestic travel, drawing national attention and prompting calls for enhanced safety measures.
Sudden Storm Causes Chaos on the River
Around 4:00 PM local time, as tourists enjoyed boat rides on the scenic Wu River near Qianxi City, a sudden storm brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. The abrupt change in weather caused four boats to capsize, throwing approximately 84 people into the water. Two of the boats were carrying tourists, while the other two were unoccupied at the time. The seven crew members aboard the empty vessels managed to swim to safety.
Eyewitnesses reported that the storm descended rapidly, accompanied by thick mist that severely limited visibility, complicating rescue efforts.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Emergency response teams, including divers and rescue personnel, were dispatched promptly to the scene. Rescue operations continued into the night, with divers using torchlights to search for those potentially trapped inside the overturned boats. Seventy individuals were hospitalized, most with non-life-threatening injuries, while only four people escaped without requiring medical attention.
By noon on Monday, all missing persons had been accounted for, with the final victim found deceased.
Government Response and Safety Measures
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” in the search and rescue operations and emphasized the need to strengthen safety measures at tourist attractions and other public venues, especially during peak travel periods. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to oversee the ongoing operations.
Initial investigations indicated that the boats were not overloaded, each having a maximum capacity of about 40 passengers.
A Pattern of Recent Accidents
This incident adds to a series of recent transportation-related fatalities in China. Just over two months ago, 11 people were killed in a boat collision in Hunan province. Last year, a vehicle accident outside a school in Tai’an resulted in the deaths of five children and six parents.
The Wu River, known for its picturesque landscapes, is a popular destination for domestic tourists. The May Day holiday, from May 1 to May 5, saw a significant increase in domestic travel, with many tourist destinations across the country overwhelmed by crowds.
