The Sapelo Island community is mourning after a gangway collapse at Marsh Landing Dock during the annual Sapelo Cultural Day celebration. The incident, which happened around 4:30 p.m., resulted in seven deaths and several critical injuries. The festivities, intended to honor the island's Gullah Geechee heritage, were disrupted by a "catastrophic failure" that sent attendees into the water, as per the FOX 5 Atlanta report.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Tyler Jones reported that about 40 people were on the platform when it collapsed. The incident occurred during celebrations of the island’s black heritage. Those who died were from Atlanta and Jacksonville, with ages ranging from 73 to 93 years old, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In the aftermath, local residents and emergency responders banded together in rescue efforts. Reginald Hall, a resident, formed part of a human chain that saved several from the strong tidal currents. Hall, in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, asserted that the tragedy was preventable and highlighted lingering issues of safety on the island. Similarly, ferry worker Ed Grovner had voiced concerns to his superiors about the stability of the gangway months before the catastrophe.
Georgia's leaders have expressed their condolences following the tragedy. Governor Brian Kemp called for prayers for the affected families and confirmed that first responders were on the scene. President Biden and Vice President Harris also offered their sympathies and federal assistance.
