A large floating hotel developed a severe list while permanently moored at a berth in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, eastern China.
The incident involving the 158-metre vessel Pearl No. 7, also known as Mingzhu No. 7, occurred on the evening of July 14. Images and videos shared online showed the vessel leaning heavily to starboard near the Yangfushan Puxi Wharf and apparently coming into contact with structures located along the waterfront.
According to the vessel’s operator, the non-operational floating structure tilted during a period of unusually high tide. Heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions were also reported in the region at the time of the incident.
Emergency teams were sent to the scene shortly after the vessel began listing. Local authorities confirmed that no casualties had been reported. The floating hotel was not operating, and there were reportedly no passengers or crew members on board when the incident occurred.
Pearl No. 7 is described as a non-propelled floating vessel completed in 2012. It measures approximately 158 metres in length, 30 metres in width and about 30 metres in height from the keel. Its construction reportedly cost more than 100 million yuan.
The vessel was originally intended to operate as a luxury floating hotel with restaurants, accommodation and entertainment facilities. However, the project faced repeated delays, and the vessel remained largely inactive for many years. It was reportedly renovated and later used as a themed restaurant.
The exact cause of the severe list has not yet been officially confirmed. Authorities and emergency specialists are continuing to assess the vessel’s condition and determine whether the incident was caused solely by the high tide or whether problems with the mooring system, ballast condition or hull integrity may also have contributed.
The incident once again highlights the risks faced by permanently moored floating structures during extreme weather, especially when strong winds, heavy rainfall and high tides occur simultaneously.
