Feb 21 • 06:15 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

At least four dead after tourist boat carrying 26 people flips at lake resort

A tragic boat capsizing incident in China's Yunnan Province during Lunar New Year celebrations has left at least four people dead.

In a heartbreaking incident at a lake resort in Chuxiong, Yunnan Province, China, a tourist boat carrying 26 passengers capsized, resulting in at least four confirmed fatalities. The accident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, during the Lunar New Year celebrations, adding to the tragedy as families gathered for festivities. Harrowing footage captures the moment the boat first tipped to one side before suddenly rolling over, sending passengers into the water without life jackets, exacerbating the desperation of the situation.

Emergency response teams were activated immediately, with efforts focused on rescuing those who fell into the lake during the chaotic incident. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as passengers struggled in the water after being flung from the vessel. While one man managed to clamber onto the capsized hull, the gravity of the situation unfolded rapidly, prompting local authorities to provide support and begin an investigation into the causes of the accident.

As investigations continue, the capsizing raises concerns over safety regulations and the circumstances that led to the tragedy, particularly regarding the lack of life jackets and the condition of the boat prior to the incident. This event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures, especially during busy holiday seasons when recreational boating activities increase, and will likely spark discussions about regulatory improvements to prevent such incidents in the future.

📡 Similar Coverage