Ten dead after tourist boats capsize in China

A tragic incident occurred in China when strong winds caused four tourist boats to capsize in a river in Qianxi city, located in the southwestern region of the country. This unfortunate event led to the deaths of at least 10 individuals, while around 70 others were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the accident. Reports from state media indicate that the sudden gusts of wind caught many people by surprise, resulting in 84 individuals falling into the water when the boats overturned. The death toll rose from nine to ten after rescuers discovered the body of one missing person the following day. This incident took place during the May Day holiday, a time when many people travel and enjoy their time off. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his condolences and urged for 'all-out efforts' in the search and rescue operations. He highlighted that similar accidents have occurred recently and stressed the need for improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The authorities in China have been instructed to enhance public safety protocols, especially during peak tourist seasons when many people are out and about. Just two months prior to this incident, another boating accident in Hunan province resulted in the deaths of 11 people when a passenger boat collided with an industrial vessel. This highlights the ongoing concerns regarding water safety in the country. Additionally, over the same weekend as the boat capsizing, a sightseeing helicopter crashed in Suzhou, an eastern city, leading to one fatality and four injuries. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures, particularly during busy travel periods when many people are enjoying their holidays.