China - Ekhbary News Agency: Four Dead After Tourist Boat Carrying 26 People Flips at Lake Resort

China - Ekhbary News Agency

Four Dead After Tourist Boat Carrying 26 People Flips at Lake Resort

A devastating incident has claimed the lives of four individuals after a tourist boat carrying 26 people capsized on a lake in China's Yunnan Province. The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, February 17th, a day marked by Lunar New Year celebrations, at the Lianxiwan Wetland Park resort in Chuxiong. Harrowing footage captured the moments the vessel listed before violently overturning, throwing all passengers into the chilly waters.

Eyewitness accounts and the released video footage depict a scene of panic as the boat, reportedly carrying families and tourists enjoying the holiday, suddenly lurched and capsized. The passengers, described as being "none of whom appeared to be wearing life jackets," were flung overboard. One man was seen desperately trying to cling to the side of the vessel before it fully submerged and then climbing onto the upturned hull. The suddenness of the capsizing suggests a potential catastrophic failure or an extreme maneuver that led to the disaster.

Emergency services were immediately mobilized following the incident. By 8:30 PM on the same evening, authorities confirmed two fatalities and that two individuals had been transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The final death toll was later confirmed to be four. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly released, but preliminary reports suggest drowning as the cause of death. Information regarding the condition of the 22 survivors has also not been disclosed, raising concerns about their well-being and the potential for injuries sustained during the incident.

The cause of the boat's capsizing is currently under thorough investigation by local authorities. The Lianxiwan Wetland Park, identified by local media, reportedly opened in June 2025 and had already become a popular destination, attracting approximately 150,000 visitors by November of that year. The resort offers a range of family-friendly attractions, including floral displays, camping facilities, and scenic lake cruises, highlighting its appeal to holidaymakers.

This unfortunate event occurs in the wake of another tragic incident in eastern China, where at least eight people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in Jiangsu province. The blast was reportedly caused by a resident improperly setting off fireworks near the store. In response to the fireworks incident, China's Ministry of Emergency Management issued a strong directive urging all regions to enhance supervision over the production, transportation, sale, and use of fireworks to prevent future accidents. The ministry explicitly called for a ban on testing fireworks and firecrackers near shops and implored local governments to identify and eliminate safety blind spots to ensure a safe and joyous Spring Festival for all citizens.

The Lunar New Year, a significant cultural celebration in China, typically falls between late January and late February, commencing with the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year, the year of the Fire Horse began on February 17th, 2026. The 15-day festival is steeped in tradition and folklore, featuring vibrant red decorations, fireworks, family reunions, and the customary exchange of red envelopes containing money. The investigation into the boat capsizing will undoubtedly focus on the operational safety of the vessel, the prevailing weather conditions, and adherence to maritime regulations, aiming to provide answers to the bereaved families and prevent similar tragedies from marring future celebrations.

Ekhbary News Agency