A devastating accident unfolded on Sapelo Island, Georgia, on Saturday when a portion of an aluminum ferry dock gave way, leading to the loss of seven lives. The incident occurred during a commemorative event for the descendants of Black slaves. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed that among the victims was the chaplain of the state agency responsible for the dock’s management.
The dock’s collapse, which happened around 4:30 p.m., resulted in several individuals plunging into the water. McIntosh County Commissioner Rogert Lotson disclosed that a significant number of the victims, both injured and deceased, were of advanced age. Members of the McIntosh County Shouters, a local group, were also among those who fell into the water.
Bill and Mary Humphrey, who had just boarded the ferry before the collapse, witnessed four bodies being carried away by the current. The couple recounted the incident as a slow-motion event, with people gradually submerging into the water. Mary Humphrey described the sight as “the worst thing” and expressed that she would never forget the horrifying image.
Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of chaos and bravery in the aftermath of the collapse. One of the rescuers stated that everyone present was trying to contribute to the rescue efforts in some way. People were seen dragging victims from the water and performing CPR, while the ferry crew threw life preservers to those in peril.
Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, stated that at least 20 people were on the dock when it gave way. Eight of these individuals were hospitalized, with six in critical condition. The cause of the collapse remains a mystery, with Jones asserting that there was no collision with a boat or any other object.
The incident took place as crowds gathered on the island to celebrate its small Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants during Cultural Day. The annual event spotlights 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 suspected 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.