Dragon boat race ends in drama: at least 17 dead

guilin - At least seventeen people were killed in a training for dragon boat races in China. Two boats capsized after they had crashed against each other. About 60 rowers fell into the water.

The accident happened in the city of Guilin, in the south of China. A dragon boat is an open canoe of over ten meters long. Racing is a popular pastime. During the annual Duanwu festival on June 18, many dragon boat races are held. The two boats were in training for the competitions of the festival.

Chinese television showed images of the accident that were made with a smartphone. The boats capsized as they sailed through artificial rapids. The rescue services flew out on Saturday afternoon with eight boats and 200 employees.