Boy, 9, dies after swan boat capsizes in Taiwan's Liyu Lake

A nine-year-old boy drowned after a swan boat carrying five family members capsized in Liyu Lake in Hualien, Taiwan on Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2.54pm when the Zheng family, spanning three generations, was on a boat tour about 20 meters from the northern shore. The four-seater pedal boat suddenly overturned for unknown reasons.

Nearby boaters rescued four adults, but the boy was trapped under the capsized boat. The operator dove into the water and found him stuck in the cabin beneath the partially submerged vessel. Rescuers moved the boat and pulled the boy ashore, but he had no pulse and was pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.

All five family members were wearing life jackets as required. The boy's parents were hospitalized with hypothermia, while two other relatives sought medical treatment on their own, all in stable condition.

Witnesses suggested a passing speedboat may have created waves that destabilized the pedal boat. The operator said such incidents are extremely rare but did not rule out that heavy boat traffic during the holiday period might have contributed to water turbulence. Police are investigating.

Liyu Lake is the largest inland lake in eastern Taiwan and a popular tourist spot for boating and cycling. The tragedy has shocked the community and raised safety concerns for holiday outings.