Authorities in Georgia are investigating a tragic dock collapse that occurred during an island festival, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals on Saturday.
About 40 people were on an aluminum gangway connecting a ferry dock to the shore on Sapelo Island when it suddenly gave way, sending more than 20 people into the waters below. Seven people lost their lives, all of whom were visitors and not residents of the island. Three others remain hospitalized in critical condition, with eight total individuals needing urgent medical attention due to serious injuries.
Among the deceased was a chaplain from Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources. The incident took place during the island’s annual Cultural Day, an important celebration for the Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Africans who have historic ties to the island.
“This is a structural failure. There should require minimal maintenance on an aluminum gangway, but we’ll see what the investigation reveals,” stated Walter Rabon, the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, at a news briefing.
Sapelo Island, located about 60 miles south of Savannah, is accessible only by ferry or boat. The gangway, which collapsed, was installed in 2021, and the ferry dock recently underwent renovations following a federal settlement with local residents aimed at enhancing accessibility for disabled passengers.
In a 2020 settlement, Georgia officials agreed to replace outdated docks and upgrade boats to better serve disabled passengers, paying $750,000 for the necessary changes.
On Sunday, the Department of Natural Resources dispatched engineers and specialists to determine the cause of the collapse. “There was no collision; it simply collapsed. We don’t yet understand why,” said spokesperson Tyler Jones, adding that multiple rescue organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard, were involved in recovery efforts.
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Search operations utilized helicopters and side-scan sonar, according to the Department of Natural Resources. In light of the tragedy, President Joe Biden extended an offer for federal assistance.
Cultural Day celebrates Hogg Hummock, one of the last remaining communities of the Gullah-Geechee, who have preserved their distinct cultural identity rooted in African traditions. Roger Lotson, the sole Black commissioner in McIntosh County, described the strong bonds within the community: “Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other. They all feel the same pain and the same hurt.”
However, the future of this community hangs in the balance. The population of Hogg Hummock has decreased over the years due to rising taxes and zoning changes that have compelled families to sell off their lands. Despite being designated a National Historic Place in 1996, residents face ongoing battles over a 2023 zoning decision allowing larger homes, which they fear will escalate property taxes and displace even more families.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.