20-10-2024 (GEORGIA) A day of celebration turned to tragedy on Georgia’s Sapelo Island when a ferry dock partially collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and leaving several others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon as crowds gathered for a festival honouring the island’s small Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves who have preserved their unique culture on this remote barrier island.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the catastrophe unfolded shortly before 4 p.m. when a gangway on the visitor ferry dock suddenly gave way, plunging at least 20 people into the water. Initial reports suggesting a boat collision were later dismissed, with the cause of the collapse remaining unclear and under investigation.
Among the victims was a chaplain for the DNR, a loss that has deeply affected the close-knit community. The incident’s severity was underscored by the critical injuries sustained by six individuals, with two requiring urgent air ambulance transportation to nearby hospitals.
In response to the emergency, a multi-agency rescue operation was swiftly mobilised. The DNR, alongside other emergency services, deployed boats equipped with side-scan sonar and helicopters to conduct search and rescue missions. The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office established a family reunification point at the Elm Grove Baptist Church, providing a centralised location for those anxiously seeking information about their loved ones.
The tragedy has reverberated beyond the shores of Sapelo Island, drawing national attention and condolences. President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow, stating, “Jill and I mourn those who lost their lives, and we pray for the injured and anyone still missing.” The President assured that the White House is coordinating with state and local officials to provide necessary assistance.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp echoed these sentiments, calling for prayers for those affected and praising the efforts of first responders at the scene. The incident has cast a pall over what was meant to be a joyous occasion, with the City of Darien lamenting the transformation of a day of celebration into one of profound loss.
The Sapelo Island Cultural And Revitalization Society, organisers of the annual Cultural Day Festival, expressed their heartbreak and gratitude for the outpouring of support from the wider community. This tragic event has highlighted the unique challenges faced by Sapelo Island’s residents, who number around 70 full-time inhabitants, most of whom are descendants of slaves who worked on the island’s plantations.
Sapelo Island, accessible only by boat, has long been a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation. The island’s isolation, while contributing to the maintenance of its unique heritage, also presents logistical challenges in times of crisis. The ferry service, which typically operates three times daily between the island and the mainland dock in Meridian, is a crucial lifeline for both residents and visitors.
