Xi orders swift rescue after Guizhou boat capsizing

Xi orders swift rescue after Guizhou boat capsizing and proper handling of the emergency situation.

On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for immediate and thorough efforts to locate those who fell into the water and to ensure the injured receive proper medical care after two tourist boats overturned in Guizhou Province, southwest China.

The incident occurred at about 4:40 p.m. in Qianxi City at a popular tourist site, resulting in three confirmed deaths and 14 people reported missing. Additionally, 60 individuals have been hospitalized for treatment.

Xi, who also serves as the CPC General Secretary and Central Military Commission Chairman, issued a directive emphasizing the need for full-scale rescue operations and the proper handling of matters concerning the victims, including offering comfort to their families.

Referring to a recent series of tragic events across different regions, Xi urged local governments and relevant departments to draw lessons from these incidents, abandon any sense of complacency, and take full responsibility for ensuring safety.

He emphasized the necessity of tightening safety protocols at tourist destinations, crowded public areas, residential zones, and during holiday travel to help prevent further serious accidents.

Premier Li Qiang, a senior CPC leader, also called for comprehensive rescue and treatment measures. He stressed that following the May Day holiday, local governments must perform thorough inspections in high-risk areas to eliminate hazards and avoid major emergencies.

To oversee the rescue operation, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited the accident site, where he is leading a team to direct and coordinate the ongoing relief efforts.