Beijing — At least nine people died and 70 were hospitalised after strong winds caused tourist boats to capsize on a river in Qianxi city, Guizhou province, on Saturday afternoon, according to Chinese state media.

A total of 84 passengers were on board when the boats overturned. As of Sunday morning, four people were unharmed, one remains missing, and rescue efforts are ongoing.

President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” in the rescue and treatment of victims and emphasized the need to strengthen safety protocols at tourist sites. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has been sent to oversee the operation.

Officials confirmed the boats were not overloaded. The incident follows a similar tragedy in Hunan province two months ago, where 11 died after a passenger boat collided with an industrial vessel.