SAPELO ISLAND, GA – A deadly incident unfolded Saturday afternoon when a section of a ferry dock gave way on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. Several others were also injured in the process, according to authorities.
The emergency occurred around 4:30 p.m. local time at the Marsh Landing Dock as approximately 20 people plunged into the water following the collapse of the gangway. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now leading an extensive search and rescue operation, deploying helicopters and boats equipped with sonar technology.
As crowds assembled on the island for a Cultural Day event celebrating the Gullah-Geechee community- a small group descended from enslaved Africans- tragedy struck. The collapse originated from the gangway connecting an outer dock to the shore, though the cause remains unknown, according to DNR spokesperson Tyler Jones.
Engineers and construction experts are scheduled to commence an investigation into the structural failure beginning Sunday. Notably, the disaster claimed the life of a chaplain linked to the DNR.
Sapelo Island, situated about 60 miles south of Savannah and accessible only by boat, became filled with grief on what was intended to be a festive day. In a statement, President Biden extended condolences, emphasizing that the collapse turned a day of cultural jubilation into one of tragedy. He offered prayers for all those affected, including the injured and missing.
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp and Congressman Buddy Carter expressed heartfelt sentiments via social media, with Kemp urging compatriots to join in prayer, while Carter highlighted state efforts in search and rescue operations.