SAPELO ISLAND, GA — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident on Sapelo Island where a dock gangway collapsed during a fall celebration, resulting in the deaths of seven people and leaving several others injured. The collapse occurred as the small Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Black individuals, gathered for Cultural Day festivities.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon confirmed the incident at a news conference on Sunday, labeling it a “catastrophic failure.” The aluminum gangway, installed in 2021, connected an outer dock to the shore and was reportedly designed to require minimal maintenance. “We’ll see what the investigation unfolds,” Rabon stated, adding that three individuals remained hospitalized in critical condition following the collapse.
The gangway was crowded at the time of the incident, with estimates suggesting that “upwards of 40 people” were present when it suddenly gave way, causing at least 20 individuals to fall into the water. None of the deceased were residents of Sapelo Island. Eight people were transported to hospitals, with at least six initially reported to have critical injuries.
This tragedy follows a history of legal and safety challenges related to the ferry services connecting Sapelo Island to the mainland. In October 2020, Georgia officials settled a federal lawsuit from residents of Hogg Hummock, the island’s community, which had accused the state of failing to meet federal accessibility standards for ferry services. The settlement included a cash payment of $750,000 and a commitment to upgrade the docks and ferry boats to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Emergency responders, including crews from the U.S. Coast Guard and the McIntosh County Fire Department, were deployed to the scene following the collapse. Search efforts involved helicopters and boats equipped with side-scanning sonar to locate those who fell into the water. “There was no collision with a boat or anything else; the thing just collapsed. We don’t know why,” Natural Resources spokesperson Tyler Jones said.
Among the deceased was a chaplain for the state agency, who was part of the gathering on that fateful day. President Joe Biden expressed condolences and stated that federal officials are ready to provide any necessary assistance.
The Cultural Day event, which celebrates the heritage of the Gullah-Geechee community, attracted both island residents and tourists to Hogg Hummock. Roger Lotson, the only Black member of the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, reflected on the tight-knit nature of the community, stating, “Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other. In any tragedy, especially like this, they are all one. They all feel the same pain and the same hurt.”
Sapelo Island, located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah, is accessible only by boat. The community has faced challenges in recent years, including population decline and conflicts over zoning changes that could threaten the heritage of the land held by families for generations. Residents continue to fight against local government decisions they fear could lead to increased taxes and the sale of their ancestral properties.
As the investigation into the dock’s collapse continues, the focus remains on the impact this tragedy has had on the close-knit Gullah-Geechee community, bonded by a rich history and shared struggles.