*At least seven people lost their lives when a dock collapsed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, sending a group of attendees plunging into the Atlantic waters. The accident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, during a vibrant Cultural Day event celebrating the unique heritage of the Gullah-Geechee community, which consists of the descendants of enslaved individuals.
Witnesses reported that approximately 20 people were gathered on the gangway leading to the outer dock, which connects to a ferry transporting passengers to the mainland when it suddenly collapsed. “The gangway just gave way, and people were thrown into the water without warning,” recounted one attendee who was not injured.
Tragically, eight people were transported to the hospital, with at least six sustaining critical injuries. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with U.S. Coast Guard teams utilizing boats equipped with sonar technology and helicopters to scour the surrounding waters for any missing individuals.
Paul Anthony, a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was among those who lost their lives in this unexpected calamity. Tyler Jones, a representative from the agency, commented on the shocking nature of the incident, “The gangway was less than a year old, and we are still trying to understand how it could have failed so abruptly.”
The dock failure and subsequent tragedy unfolded during an event meant to honor and celebrate the rich cultural history of the Gullah-Geechee community, which has roots deeply connected to the African heritage that survived the Middle Passage. The historic Hog Hammock Community on Sapelo Island is notable for being one of the last intact islands where these traditions are preserved.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “I am heartbroken by the loss of life. We extend our resources to support search, rescue, and recovery efforts.” Meanwhile, President Joe Biden issued a statement of solidarity, emphasizing the tragic disruption of what was intended to be a joyful celebration of culture.
As rescue crews persist in their search efforts, a team of engineers and construction specialists is set to arrive on-site to investigate the cause of the gangway collapse. The McIntosh County community is grappling with the immense grief this tragedy has wrought, as residents bond over shared history and loss.
Local leaders, including McIntosh County Commissioner Roger Lotson, underscored the tight-knit nature of Sapelo Island’s community, saying, “Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other. In any tragedy, especially like this, they are all one. They’re all united in their pain.”
In addition to mourning the dead, the dwindling Gullah-Geechee community faces ongoing struggles against forced gentrification and rising taxes that threaten their way of life. The loss experienced during this tragic accident further compounds the challenges that they continue to face.
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