A tragic accident on Georgia's Sapelo Island claimed the lives of at least seven people after a ferry dock gangway collapsed on Saturday during a fall celebration of the island's Gullah-Geechee community. The collapse sent individuals plunging into the water as they gathered for Cultural Day, an annual event celebrating the island's rich heritage. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the deadly incident.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that the collapse occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m., just as crowds gathered to honor the island's Gullah-Geechee community, a unique culture descended from African slaves who once worked the island's plantations. The community, known for retaining much of its African heritage, had been celebrating when the gangway connecting the dock to the ferry suddenly gave way, plunging attendees into the water.
"There have been seven fatalities confirmed," Tyler Jones, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said. "There have been multiple people transported to area hospitals, and we are continuing to search the water for individuals." Jones added that helicopters and boats equipped with side-scanning sonar were deployed to assist in the search for survivors.
The collapse came as island residents, family members, and tourists celebrated Cultural Day at Hogg Hummock, the last remaining Gullah-Geechee settlement on the island. The small community, consisting of dirt roads and modest homes, was founded by freed slaves after the Civil War and has long been a hub for preserving the island's cultural history. Sapelo Island is located about 60 miles south of Savannah and is only accessible by boat.
McIntosh County Commissioner Roger Lotson, the only Black member of the county board whose district includes Sapelo Island, spoke of the devastating impact of the tragedy on the tight-knit community. "Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other," Lotson said. "In any tragedy, especially like this, they are all one. They're all united. They all feel the same pain and the same hurt."
Initial reports from local authorities indicated that around 20 people were on the gangway when it gave way, causing several attendees to fall into the water. A chaplain with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources was among those who lost their lives. The gangway connected an outer dock used for boarding the ferry to another dock closer to the shore. Officials are still unsure what caused the collapse, though some reports suggest that a boat may have hit the dock prior to the incident.
Six individuals sustained critical injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals, while two others were airlifted by emergency medical helicopters for further treatment. The McIntosh County Sheriff's Office and other agencies have set up a family reunification point at the Elm Grove Baptist Church to help family members locate loved ones who were present during the collapse.
Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, saying he and his family were "heartbroken" by the news. "As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm's way, and for their families," Kemp wrote in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The collapse has placed a spotlight on the longstanding community of Hogg Hummock, also known as Hog Hammock, which was designated as a historic site in 1996 by the National Register of Historic Places. For years, the community has fought to retain its cultural identity amid challenges, including population decline, tax increases, and zoning changes that have allowed for larger homes and vacation properties, which residents fear may threaten the integrity of their community.
The Gullah-Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans who lived along the coastal regions of the Southeast United States, have a rich cultural history that includes unique dialects, crafts, and traditions. The tragedy that struck on Saturday has shaken this already fragile community, united by a shared history of resilience and survival.
"This community is bonded by family, bonded by history, and bonded by struggle," Lotson said. "It's a heritage that has survived so much adversity, and this is yet another trial that we will face together."
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other agencies are continuing to investigate the cause of the collapse. The gangway has since been secured, and officials are working to ensure that the area is safe for residents and visitors. With the investigation still ongoing, the focus remains on determining whether any safety measures were overlooked and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again.
