On April 21st, a tragic boat capsizing accident occurred in Pingjiang County, Yueyang City, Hunan Province, resulting in the deaths of all 6 people on board. This is the second boat accident to happen in Hunan this year.
According to the official statement from Pingjiang County Government in Hunan Province, the accident took place around 5:30 pm on April 21st in the waters of Dazhou Township, Changjiang River, Pingjiang County, Yueyang City. At the time of the incident, there were a total of 6 people on board the self-owned small boat. By 9:05 pm that evening, all 6 individuals were found and confirmed to have drowned.
The incident occurred at the border between Dutang Village in Dazhou Township and Bankou Village in Meixian Town, Pingjiang County. A village official from Dutang Village stated that the 6 individuals were crossing the river from the village on the boat to harvest bamboo shoots when the boat capsized. Another village official from Bankou Village mentioned that the boat involved was a plastic boat, and ahead of the river was a power station with deep and fast-flowing water.
According to reports from the “Xinjing Bao,” among the 6 victims, one was the half-sister of an internet user, while two others were the niece and daughter-in-law of another internet user’s aunt. Additionally, two victims were classmates of another internet user, and the owner of the boat was the uncle of one of the classmates.
On February 25th, a boat capsizing accident also occurred in Yuanshui Watershed, Qinglang Township, Yuanling County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province, where 19 people fell into the water from the boat. As of the evening of February 28th, 11 deaths were confirmed, while 5 individuals remained missing without official updates.
Netizens expressed their shock over the incident, with comments such as “How could they dare to have 6 people on such a small boat? Their courage was too great,” and “Wearing life jackets might have prevented this tragedy.” Others reflected on the lesson learned and emphasized the importance of safety consciousness to avoid such heartbreaking events. They mourned the loss of 6 precious lives and expressed their wishes for the deceased to rest in peace and for the families to find solace and heal from their sorrow soon.