Sapelo Island Tragedy: Ferry Dock Collapse During Cultural Festival
On Saturday, a tragic incident unfolded on **Sapelo Island**, Georgia, as a partial ferry dock collapse turned a day of celebration into a scene of chaos. The event occurred shortly before 4 p.m. during a **Cultural Day Festival** celebrating the island’s small Gullah-Geechee community, composed of Black slave descendants. At least seven individuals have died as a result, with six others reported in critical condition.
The Incident
The collapse involved a gangway on the visitor ferry dock, leading to at least 20 people falling into the water, according to **Georgia Department of Natural Resources** Capt. Chris Hodge. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized to the scene, employing boats and helicopters for search and rescue operations. By Saturday night, it was confirmed that among the deceased was a chaplain associated with the DNR. Details surrounding the identities of the other victims remain undisclosed.
Investigation Underway
As of Sunday morning, officials are still trying to determine the cause of the collapse. A team of engineers and construction specialists were set to begin an investigation at the dock, as stated by **Natural Resources spokesperson** Tyler Jones. The gangway that collapsed has been secured, and a thorough investigation is currently in progress.
Community Response and Support
The tragedy has hit the tight-knit community hard, especially since it occurred during **Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Awareness Month**. The **Sapelo Island Cultural And Revitalization Society**, which organized the festival, expressed their sorrow and gratitude for the support coming in from everywhere. They released a statement on Facebook saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones who lost their lives and who were injured.”
In addition, a reunification point was established at a local church for those seeking information about missing family members. Community leaders, including McIntosh County Board of Commissioners member **Roger Lotson**, emphasized the strong bonds within the community, stating, “Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other. In any tragedy, especially like this, they are all one.”
Statements from Leaders
As news of the collapse spread, both President **Joe Biden** and Georgia Governor **Brian Kemp** expressed their heartbreak over the situation. Biden mentioned in his statement, “Jill and I mourn those who lost their lives, and we pray for the injured and anyone still missing.” Meanwhile, Governor Kemp urged all Georgians to join in prayer for those affected by the tragedy.
A Cultural Heritage’s Loss
The event that turned tragic was meant to celebrate the rich heritage of the Gullah-Geechee communities, which have retained many African traditions and languages since their ancestors were brought to the island in 1802. Sapelo Island is home to the **Hog Hammock** community, one of the last surviving Gullah-Geechee communities in Georgia.
Visitors and island residents gathered to enjoy African dance performances, local food vendors, and historic tours before the collapse occurred. Local leaders have voiced concerns that the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of culture and heritage, particularly for this community.
Continued Community Resilience
Despite the terrible outcome, the connection among residents remains strong. Jerald J. Thomas, a pastor in the area, shared how the community swiftly came together after the collapse to support those affected. “They began to send the necessary things that were needed in order to make the people’s stay more bearable,” he said.
As authorities work to uncover the cause of the ferry dock collapse, the spirit of the Gullah-Geechee community continues to shine through, with resilience and unity taking center stage in this trying time.
