SAPELO ISLAND, Ga. — At least seven people are dead after part of a ferry dock collapsed on Georgia’s Sapelo Island on Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the state agency that operates it.
Multiple people were taken to hospitals, and crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, the McIntosh County Fire Department, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and others were searching the water, according to spokesperson Tyler Jones of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which operates the dock.
ABC News confirmed the identities of the deceased victims with the coroner’s office:
- Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, Jacksonville
- Cynthia Gibbs, 74, Jacksonville
- Charles L. Houston, 77, Darien, Georgia
- William Johnson, Jr., 73, Atlanta
- Carlotta McIntosh, 92, Jacksonville
- Isaiah Thomas, 79, Jacksonville
- Queen Welch, 76, Atlanta
Jones said a gangway at the dock collapsed and sent people plunging into the water. It happened as crowds gathered on the island for a celebration of its tiny Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants.
“There have been seven fatalities confirmed,” Jones said. “There have been multiple people transported to area hospitals, and we are continuing to search the water for individuals.”
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Jones said he did not know what caused the gangway to collapse, but officials believe there were at least 20 people on it at the time. The gangway connected an outer dock where people board the ferry to another dock onshore.
Among the dead was a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Jones said.
Gov. Brian Kemp released a statement Saturday night, saying: “We ask that all Georgians join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.”
Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island. As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 19, 2024
Sapelo Island is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Savannah and is reachable from the mainland by boat.
Cultural Day is an annual fall event spotlighting the island’s tiny community of Hogg Hummock, which is home to a few dozen Black residents. The community of dirt roads and modest homes was founded by former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding.
As first responders continue with their search on Sapelo Island, we join @GovKemp & all Georgians in praying for the families of those who lost their lives & all individuals who have yet to be recovered. https://t.co/wYddVhDGMi
— GA AG Chris Carr (@Georgia_AG) October 20, 2024
Small communities descended from enslaved island populations in the South — known as Gullah, or Geechee in Georgia — are scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida. Scholars say their separation from the mainland caused residents to retain much of their African heritage, from their unique dialect to skills and crafts such as cast-net fishing and weaving baskets.
Investigators said there will be a news conference at 10 a.m. on Sunday with updates on this case.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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