A tragic rafting accident on Sunday, June 1, along the popular Annong River in Yilan County, northeastern Taiwan, has prompted safety concerns after one tourist died and five others were injured when their inflatable raft overturned.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:42 p.m. under a bridge near the intersection of Section 6, Annong North Road, and Ji’an Road in Sanxing Township, a well-known recreational area for river activities. According to the Yilan County Fire Bureau, a group of nine individuals—including one instructor and eight tourists—were on board the raft when it suddenly capsized, throwing all occupants into the fast-moving waters.
The fatality was identified as a woman in her 50s, surnamed Chen (陳), who was found unresponsive when rescue teams arrived. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. According to initial police reports, the raft may have struck a submerged bamboo stalk hidden beneath the water’s surface, causing it to flip over—a risk not uncommon in Taiwan’s rivers after seasonal flooding or typhoons deposit debris.
What Went Wrong?
Local reports suggest the raft was being operated by a certified tour company, and a trained instructor was present during the ride. However, questions are being raised about the condition of the river, the inspection protocols in place for such adventure activities, and whether risk assessments were carried out before the rafting trip commenced.
Officials have seized the raft for examination, and prosecutors have ordered an autopsy on the deceased to determine the precise cause of death—whether due to drowning, trauma, or underlying health conditions exacerbated by the accident.
Meanwhile, the five injured tourists, all of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries, were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Two other tourists and the instructor escaped unscathed.
Broader Implications for Taiwan’s Adventure Tourism
Yilan’s Annong River is popular among domestic and international tourists for whitewater rafting and river trekking, especially during the warmer months. However, this incident draws fresh attention to adventure tourism safety and regulatory oversight in Taiwan.
Over the past five years, Taiwan has promoted eco and adventure tourism, including water sports, hiking, and paragliding. But experts argue that safety regulations often lag behind the growth of the industry, and environmental changes like hidden debris, variable water currents, and inadequate signage further increase risks for tourists.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and local tourism offices have been urged in the past to enforce stricter guidelines for commercial outdoor activities, especially those involving watercraft and open-water excursions.
In 2019, a similar incident involving an overturned raft in Nantou County injured three foreign tourists. Investigations revealed inadequate river scouting and poor weather evaluation, resulting in calls for reform—many of which critics say remain unfulfilled.
Government and Public Response
Yilan County officials have issued a temporary suspension of rafting activities on the Annong River pending a comprehensive safety audit. Authorities are also reviewing the licensing and compliance history of the tour operator involved.
Tourism safety advocates are calling for:
- Mandatory daily risk assessments before each rafting session.
- Enhanced river patrols and cleanup efforts to remove submerged hazards.
- GPS and communication equipment on every commercial raft.
- Real-time weather and river flow updates accessible to both operators and tourists.
Minister of Transportation Yeh Kuang-shih (葉匡時) issued a statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and promised a full investigation into the case. He also emphasized that public safety cannot be compromised in the name of tourism development.
FAQs
What caused the rafting accident in Yilan?
Preliminary investigations suggest the raft struck a submerged bamboo stalk, leading it to overturn and throw nine people into the river.
Was a guide present during the accident?
Yes, a certified instructor was on board the raft. The instructor was unharmed, and the tour was conducted by a licensed operator.
Are rafting activities still allowed in Yilan after this incident?
Rafting on the Annong River has been temporarily suspended pending a full safety review and inspection.
What are authorities doing to prevent similar accidents?
Authorities have initiated an investigation, ordered an autopsy, and are reviewing safety protocols and the tour operator’s compliance records.
Has this kind of incident happened before in Taiwan?
Yes, similar accidents have occurred in the past, prompting repeated calls for improved regulation and oversight of Taiwan’s adventure tourism sector.
