A tragic incident occurred on Georgia’s Sapelo Island on Saturday when a section of an aluminum ferry dock collapsed, resulting in the death of seven individuals. The incident took place during an event that was organized to honor the descendants of Black slaves. Among the deceased was the chaplain of the state agency that manages the dock, as confirmed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The collapse, which occurred around 4:30 p.m., caused several people to fall into the water. McIntosh County Commissioner Rogert Lotson revealed that many of the victims, including the injured and deceased, were elderly. Members of the McIntosh County Shouters, a local group, were also among those who fell into the water.
Bill and Mary Humphrey, who had boarded the ferry just moments before the collapse, reported seeing four bodies being swept out to sea by the current. The couple described the incident as a slow-motion event, with people gradually sinking into the water. The sight was described as “the worst thing” by Mary Humphrey, who said she would never forget the image.
Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos and heroism following the collapse. One individual, who assisted in rescuing people from the water, stated that everyone present was trying to help in some way. People were seen pulling victims from the water and performing CPR, while the ferry crew threw life preservers to those in danger.
According to Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, at least 20 people were on the dock when it collapsed. Eight of these individuals were hospitalized, with six in critical condition. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, with Jones stating that there was no collision with a boat or any other object.
The incident occurred as crowds gathered on the island to celebrate its small Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants during Cultural Day. The annual event highlights the island’s small community of Hogg Hummock, which consists of a few dozen Black residents living in modest homes on dirt roads. These homes were established by former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding.
The dock, which was less than a year old, is speculated to have collapsed due to damage to the aluminum ramp. The incident has left the community in shock, with many expressing their grief and disbelief over the tragic event. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the US Coast Guard, the McIntosh County Fire Department, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources continuing to search the waters.