The tourist boat that capsized and caused the deaths of 12 people in north China's Hebei Province on Saturday is an unlicensed boat that had been illegally modified, according to Chinese authorities.

Thirty-one people fell into the water after the boat turned over, among whom 12 have been confirmed dead. The remaining 19 people have since been accounted for, and their injuries are non-life-threatening, according to a statement issued by China Emergency Management News, which is run by the country's Ministry of Emergency Management.

The statement said the boat capsized on a river due to strong winds and that most of the victims were seniors and not wearing life jackets.

The statement said the rescue operation had concluded by 7 a.m. on Sunday.

(Cover image via CMG)