10 Dead as Tourist Boats Capsize in Sudden Storm in Southwest China

A sudden storm struck a popular tourist site in southwest China’s Guizhou province on Sunday, causing four boats to capsize and killing at least 10 people, according to state media.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that strong winds, rain, and hail hit the scenic Wu River—an upper tributary of the Yangtze River—late Sunday afternoon, throwing more than 80 people into the water. The incident occurred during a busy national holiday period.

Initial reports mentioned two capsized boats, but authorities later confirmed four were involved. Two of the vessels had no passengers and their seven crew members escaped safely. The other two boats were carrying tourists and overturned during the storm.

Dramatic footage shared by state media showed rescue efforts, including a man performing CPR beside an overturned boat drifting downstream.

The Wu River runs through Guizhou’s mountainous landscapes, a well-known draw for domestic tourists. The storm struck suddenly, and eyewitnesses said heavy mist made it difficult to see the river’s surface. Some individuals managed to swim to safety.

Seventy people were taken to hospital, most with minor injuries, officials said.

President Xi Jinping has called for swift search-and-rescue operations and stressed the need to enhance safety measures at tourist sites, public venues, and residential areas—especially during peak travel seasons.

CCTV noted that the boats were not overloaded, with each having a maximum capacity of around 40 passengers.