According to state media reports on Sunday, two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the tragic incident where a tourist boat capsized on a river in northeastern China, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 12 lives due to drowning.
The accident took place on Saturday afternoon near the coastal city of Qinhuangdao in Hebei province, which is just a few hours' drive from Beijing.
Illegal Tourist Boat Capsizes in Northeastern China
Over 30 individuals were plunged into the water. According to the Xinhua News Agency, the boat was constructed by local villagers without any life jackets or other safety equipment.
Per ABC News, both the owner and operator of the boat were detained while an investigation into the accident was being conducted.
China is a country known for its mighty rivers, and in the past, unfortunate accidents like these were not uncommon. However, significant safety improvements have been made in recent years.
The recovery of China's tourist industry, along with the overall economy, has faced significant challenges since the partial lifting of strict restrictions implemented by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
China's Rural Communities Face Employment, Source of Income Issues
Rural communities have faced ongoing challenges in creating employment opportunities and generating income, leading many individuals of working age to relocate to urban areas.
As per initial investigations, a group of 155 tourists from Tangshan of Hebei arrived in Taolinkou village in Lulong county of Qinhuangdao on Saturday. The tourists were organized by a travel agency and arrived in three tour buses, as reported by China Media Group.
Following their lunch, a group of 31 individuals boarded an unauthorized sightseeing boat in the Qinglong River, downstream of the Taolinkou Reservoir. Powerful gusts caused the boat to overturn, leading to everyone being submerged in the water.
By 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, the search and rescue operation had successfully come to an end, ensuring the safe rescue of all 31 individuals who were then transported to local hospitals for necessary medical attention.
Furthermore, Hebei has assembled a team to thoroughly investigate the factors contributing to the accident and determine the parties responsible. according to China Daily.
The Hebei Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision has also launched investigations into relevant accountability, according to their statement.
Join the Conversation