Sapelo Island, GA — A devastating tragedy unfolded on Sapelo Island, Georgia, where a ferry dock collapse during a cultural event resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and injuries to many others, officials confirmed. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, casting a solemn shadow over a gathering meant to celebrate the rich heritage of the island’s Gullah-Geechee community.
The dock, part of the infrastructure managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, gave way as attendees participated in the annual Cultural Heritage Day, which pays tribute to descendants of enslaved Africans who have maintained their unique culture on the remote island.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the ramp to the ferry collapsed, sending approximately 20 people into the water below. Among those affected were elderly participants, including a chaplain of the state agency, who lost their lives in the sudden collapse. Local officials noted that the victims ranged in age and background, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.
McIntosh County Commissioner Roger Lotson highlighted the deep ties between the event participants and the island’s history, noting that some of those involved were members of the local McIntosh County Shouters, a group renowned for preserving African American spiritual traditions.
At the scene, heroic efforts by bystanders and emergency responders alike were evident as people rushed to rescue those in the water, providing CPR and using life preservers in a desperate attempt to save lives. The response extended to local emergency services, including the U.S. Coast Guard and McIntosh County Fire Department, who launched a search and rescue operation utilizing boats and helicopters equipped with side-scanning sonar.
The structural integrity of the dock and the reasons behind its failure remain under investigation. Authorities mentioned that there was no sign of a collision or external interference that could have led to the catastrophe. A team of engineers and construction specialists is expected to conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the collapse.
The incident deeply affected the small community, whose history is intertwined with the legacy of Thomas Spalding, an early 19th-century plantation owner whose descendants are among the island’s current inhabitants. The annual Cultural Heritage Day is a key event for Sapelo Island, celebrating the survival and cultural resilience of its Gullah-Geechee population.
The loss has resonated well beyond the confines of Sapelo Island, reaching national leaders. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the significance of the cultural celebration that was overshadowed by this unexpected tragedy.
As the community mourns, the focus shifts to supporting the injured and the families of those lost. A family reunification center has been set up at the Elm Grove Baptist Church to assist those affected. Meanwhile, the heartfelt condolences and support messages from figures like Georgia Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock reflect the collective mourning and solidarity with the Gullah-Geechee community and the residents of Sapelo Island as they navigate through the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event.
The unfolding story continues to develop as more details emerge, and the community, along with the entire state, seeks answers and healing following this tragic day.