SAPELO ISLAND, Ga. — A tragic event unfolded on Saturday when a ferry dock on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, hosting a cultural celebration for descendants of Black slaves, suddenly collapsed, resulting in at least seven fatalities. Authorities reported that numerous individuals, primarily elderly, fell into the water as the aluminum structure gave way around 4:30 p.m.
The collapse occurred during a gathering commemorating the unique cultural heritage of the Gullah-Geechee community, which traces its roots back to enslaved Africans in the region. Among those who lost their lives was the chaplain of the state agency responsible for the dock’s operation, deeply impacting the local community and attendees.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where bystanders and ferry crew members quickly mobilized to aid those in the water, throwing life preservers and pulling victims to safety. Some locals performed CPR in desperate attempts to save lives.
McIntosh County Commissioner Roger Lotson highlighted the significant presence of elderly individuals among the crowd, noting the additional challenges in the rescue efforts. He confirmed that members of the McIntosh County Shouters, a group celebrating the Gullah-Geechee heritage, were also among the casualties.
Initial investigations suggest that the dock’s gangway, rather than colliding with an external object, failed structurally. Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources which manages the facility, expressed uncertainty about the exact cause of the collapse. A team of engineers and construction specialists is slated to conduct a thorough examination to determine the failure’s underlying reasons.
Emergency response teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire departments, utilized helicopters and boats equipped with side-scanning sonar to search for survivors and recover bodies.
The incident casts a shadow over the annual event that aims to celebrate and preserve the rich history and culture of the island’s community, known as Hogg Hummock. This small settlement, consisting of dirt roads and modest homes, was founded by freed slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding and has since been a focal point for cultural preservation.
Following the tragedy, local authorities established a family reunification area at Elm Grove Baptist Church to assist those searching for missing loved ones. The outpouring of support from the community and expressions of condolence from political leaders, including President Joe Biden and Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, underscored the national attention and sorrow the incident garnered.
President Biden lamented the tragic turn of events during what was intended to be a celebration, extending his prayers to the affected families and survivors. Senator Warnock reflected on the heartbreaking end to what should have been a joyous occasion, expressing solidarity with the Gullah Geechee community and the people of Sapelo Island.
As the community reels from this devastating event, the focus shifts to understanding the catastrophe’s causes and ensuring the safety of similar structures on the island to prevent future accidents. Meanwhile, the resilience of the Gullah-Geechee community remains evident as they deal with the aftermath of the tragedy, supported by local and national solidarity.