9-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Taiwan Lake After Swan Boat Incident
花蓮, Taiwan – A nine-year-old boy died on February 19, 2026, after a pedal swan boat capsized on Liyu Lake in Hualien County, Taiwan. The incident has sparked scrutiny of safety regulations and the practices of local boat rental operators.
The boy was with his family, a group of five spanning three generations, when the incident occurred. According to initial reports, a speedboat passing nearby created a large wake that destabilized the swan boat, causing it to overturn. The boy, despite wearing a life vest, became trapped underneath the boat and was unresponsive when rescuers arrived.
Authorities estimate the boy was submerged for at least six to ten minutes before being recovered. Medical personnel confirmed the cause of death as drowning. The boy’s father, aunt, and grandfather, all physicians, were present during the examination and were visibly distraught, according to reports.
The rental operator, identified as Lin, was detained and released on a bail of NT$50,000 (approximately $1,560 USD) on February 20, 2026, on suspicion of negligent homicide. Investigators are examining whether the operator failed to adequately warn customers about the potential dangers posed by speedboats on the lake.
The Hualien District Prosecutor’s Office is continuing to investigate whether the speedboat’s actions directly contributed to the accident and to determine responsibility.
Concerns about the safety of Liyu Lake have been raised previously. A local resident claimed to have reported similar issues with speedboat operators creating dangerous waves five years ago, but said authorities took no action. The resident expressed outrage over the incident, stating that the boy’s death could have been prevented with proper oversight. According to a report from United Daily News, the resident accused the speedboat operators of intentionally creating large waves for thrill-seeking passengers.
Another report from Newtalk News details accusations of “reckless wave-making” by speedboat operators, suggesting a pattern of unsafe behavior on the lake. Witnesses have described speedboat operators speeding and making sharp turns, creating significant waves that endangered other boaters.
The case highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement regarding speedboat operations on Liyu Lake and other recreational waterways. The incident underscores the potential dangers of mixing high-speed watercraft with slower-moving vessels like pedal boats.
