At least seven people tragically lost their lives and several others sustained injuries on Saturday afternoon, when part of the ferry dock on Georgia's Sapelo Island collapsed. The incident took place as crowds were gathering for Cultural Day to celebrate the island's tiny Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves.
Among the deceased was Charles Houston, aged 77, who served as a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The identities of the other victims have not yet been released, but three individuals remained hospitalized with serious injuries as of Sunday.
The collapse happened around 4:30 PM local time at Marsh Landing Dock. About 40 people were on the gangway when it gave way, causing at least 20 individuals to fall directly onto the water below.
According to Georgia DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Commissioner Walter Rabon, initial findings point to what he described as “catastrophic failure” of the dock gangway. Rabon stated during a news conference, “It is a structural failure. There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like this, but we'll see what the investigation reveals.” The gangway had been last inspected just months prior, in December 2023, by Crescent Equipment Company.
Speaking with reporters, Rabon noted, “There was no collision with any boat or anything else. The thing just collapsed. We’re unsure why.” This uncertainty has left many residents and officials searching for answers.
The gangway served as the connection for visitors boarding ferries to and from the island, which is located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah. Emergency services were quick to respond, deploying helicopters and boats equipped with sonar technology for search and rescue efforts.
Local and state leaders expressed their condolences and concerns following the disaster. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote on social media about his heartbreak over the tragic events, urging all Georgians to join him and his family in prayer for those affected. He confirmed the mobilization of state resources to assist with search, rescue, and recovery operations.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock described the incident as “tragic news,” pledging his office's resources to investigate what happened on the dock. He highlighted the significance of the Gullah-Geechee community's cultural heritage, noting, “There they were celebrating, and as folks were leaving, the gangway collapsed.”
Hogg Hummock, the area where the collapse occurred, is home to roughly 50 Black residents, who are descendants of former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding, established after the Civil War. This small community prides itself on its close ties, with Roger Lotson, the only Black member of the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, emphasizing the unity of the residents: “Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other.”
Sadly, Hogg Hummock's population has been declining over the years. Many families have sold their properties to outsiders, transforming the area with vacation homes. Local residents have voiced concerns about recent zoning changes and tax increases, fearing they could lose long-held family land.
The incident has highlighted both the fragility of life and the resilience of this historic community. President Biden commented on the matter, stating, “What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned to tragedy. Jill and I mourn for those who lost their lives and pray for the injured.”
This harrowing event has sparked discussions about dock safety and regulations, with engineers and construction specialists slated to begin probing the details behind the failure on Sunday.
