During the annual Cultural Day festival on Sapelo Island, Georgia, a day meant for celebration turned into a tragic event when an aluminum gangway collapsed at a boat dock. The incident occurred as visitors were boarding a ferry back to the mainland, with up to 40 people standing on the gangway when it gave way. This led to at least 20 individuals falling into the Atlantic waters, prompting a frantic rescue effort by bystanders forming a human chain to bring survivors to safety.
Despite the heroic efforts, seven people lost their lives in the accident, while three others remained hospitalized. The cause of the collapse is under investigation by authorities, who are trying to determine what led to the catastrophic failure of the state-operated dock, which had been rebuilt in 2021.
Sapelo Island, located about 60 miles south of Savannah, is home to the Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants. The island's residents, particularly those in the enclave of Hogg Hummock, have preserved their African heritage and traditions, including a unique dialect and skills like cast-net fishing and basket weaving.
The lack of emergency resources on the island has been a longstanding concern for residents. A prior lawsuit in 2015 highlighted the need for basic services, including medical emergency resources. Despite a settlement that called for improvements, such as a helicopter pad, some of these measures have yet to be implemented.
The tragic incident has shed light on the challenges faced by the residents of Sapelo Island, including the ongoing population decline and concerns about development encroaching on their historic community. As investigations continue into the dock collapse, the community mourns the lives lost and grapples with the aftermath of the devastating event.
