A joyous fall celebration on Sapelo Island turned tragic when a dock gangway collapsed, plunging dozens of people into the water and resulting in seven fatalities. The incident occurred on Saturday during a gathering of the island’s Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Africans.
Authorities are investigating the “catastrophic failure” of the aluminum gangway, which was installed in 2021. It’s estimated that over 40 people were on the gangway when it collapsed, with at least 20 falling into the water.
READ: 4-Year-Old Child From Lee Killed In Rollover Crash On Florida Highway
“It is a structural failure,” said Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon. “There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we’ll see what the investigation unfolds.”
A multi-agency search and rescue effort was launched, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, McIntosh County Fire Department, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Three people remain hospitalized in critical condition.
The victims were not residents of Sapelo Island, according to officials. The dock and ferry system had been recently rebuilt to comply with accessibility standards following a 2020 lawsuit by residents.
READ: Pinellas Park Motorcyclist Killed In Fiery Gandy Bridge Crash, Body Recovered From Tampa Bay
Engineers and construction specialists are on site investigating the cause of the collapse. President Biden has offered federal assistance to support the investigation and recovery efforts.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.