A festive cultural celebration turned tragic on Saturday when part of a ferry dock collapsed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, claiming the lives of at least seven people, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred at Marsh Landing Dock around 4:30 PM local time, plunging approximately 20 individuals into the water.
The dock, managed by Georgia’s department of natural resources, was bustling with crowds gathering for an annual event celebrating the island’s rich Gullah-Geechee culture. Multiple individuals have been hospitalized, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway to locate any missing persons.
US President Joe Biden expressed condolences, stating he and First Lady Jill Biden mourn the lives lost and pray for those injured or still unaccounted for. The cause of the gangway collapse, which connected an outer ferry dock to a shore dock, remains unknown and is under investigation, as reported by local authorities.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp conveyed sorrow over the tragedy, urging prayers for the affected families and affirming state support for rescue operations. State resources have been mobilized to aid in search, rescue, and recovery efforts, according to Georgia representative Buddy Carter.
The annual event, normally a celebration of the historic Hogg Hummock community on Sapelo Island, became a scene of devastation. Founded by emancipated slaves after the US Civil War, Hogg Hummock represents a significant part of Georgia’s cultural heritage, noted the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
President Biden lamented the turn of events, emphasizing that what should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture ended in tragedy. The Gullah-Geechee communities, descendants of enslaved populations, are spread across the Southern coast from North Carolina to Florida.
Sapelo Island, accessible only by boat from the mainland, has been a beacon of cultural resilience and historical significance, making the incident all the more poignant for its community and beyond.
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