Twenty people missing after boats capsize in China's Wu river

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, two boats carrying around 70 individuals capsized in the Wu River located in Qianxi area of Guizhou province, China. This unfortunate event occurred after a sudden storm featuring heavy rain, hail, and strong winds swept across the region. As a result of the capsizing, about 20 people have been reported missing while approximately 50 people have been successfully rescued from the water by local authorities, according to updates from state media. The boats were navigating the Wu, a tributary of the revered Yangtze River, when they met with adverse weather conditions that led to their capsizing. Eyewitness accounts describe that the waters were perilously deep, with some passengers managing to swim to safety amidst the chaos. However, visibility was severely impaired due to the thick mist that settled over the river following the storm, posing additional challenges for those attempting to aid the victims. Emergency responders and rescuers were dispatched promptly to undertake search and rescue operations once the news broke of the capsizing. Footage has emerged from state media depicting a man performing CPR on an individual who was found in dire condition on one of the upturned boats. Rescue efforts have continued throughout the evening as the teams worked tirelessly to find survivors and extend help to those affected by this disaster. This incident underscores the inherent dangers of navigating waterways during inclement weather, particularly in regions prone to sudden storms. As the authorities intensively search for the missing individuals, the community and relevant organizations are called upon to assist in response efforts and provide assistance to the families and loved ones of those affected.