ATLANTA, GA – A festive celebration on Georgia’s historic Sapelo Island turned tragic on Saturday when a crowded gangway leading to a ferry collapsed, plunging at least 20 people into the Atlantic waters. The catastrophic incident resulted in at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries, with authorities searching through the night for possible survivors.
Sapelo Island, one of Georgia’s barrier islands located about 60 miles south of Savannah, is home to a small yet vibrant Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Africans. This tight-knit community was celebrating Cultural Day, an annual event honoring their rich heritage when disaster struck. Attendees had gathered to board a state-run ferry back to the mainland when the gangway unexpectedly gave way.
“We and multiple agencies are searching for survivors,” said Tyler Jones, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which operates the ferry. The DNR reported that the incident occurred at Marsh Landing Dock, the primary entry and exit point for the island. Jones confirmed that the state-run ferry service is the only means to reach the island, adding to the urgency of the rescue efforts.
Within moments of the collapse, U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and boats equipped with sonar were dispatched to the scene. The rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the night, navigating the challenging waters in hopes of finding more survivors. However, officials caution that as time passes, the likelihood of finding additional survivors diminishes.
“We are heartbroken by today’s tragedy,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said in a statement. “Marty, the girls, and I ask all Georgians to join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.”
The exact cause of the collapse is currently unknown, and the gangway has been secured while the investigation unfolds. Authorities are examining whether structural issues or overcrowding contributed to the failure. Early reports indicate that the gangway was heavily crowded, with people eager to board the ferry after a day of cultural festivities.
Sapelo Island holds a unique place in Georgia’s history, largely due to its Gullah-Geechee population. The Gullah-Geechee people, known as “Geechee” in Georgia, are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the coastal region of the southeastern United States. Because of their geographical isolation on islands like Sapelo, the Gullah-Geechee people have preserved many aspects of their African heritage, including language, crafts, and culinary traditions.
Cultural Day, the annual festival held to honor this legacy, draws both locals and visitors who come to celebrate the distinct traditions and resilience of the Gullah-Geechee community. The event typically features traditional music, dance, storytelling, and food stalls offering local delicacies such as shrimp and grits, okra soup, and rice dishes—culinary staples of the Gullah-Geechee culture.
“We were all having a wonderful day, celebrating our culture and community,” shared John Singleton, a Sapelo Island resident and festival organizer. “It’s hard to believe that something so joyous ended in such heartbreak. We lost members of our community today.”
In the wake of the incident, the community is rallying to support the victims’ families. Local organizations, including the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society, have begun collecting donations to assist those affected by the tragedy. “We have to come together in this moment,” said Singleton. “This is a devastating loss, but we will find strength in our unity.”
The dock collapse is the latest in a series of recent infrastructure failures in the region. Last year, safety concerns were raised about aging docks and ferry terminals serving Georgia’s barrier islands. The state’s DNR had planned an inspection of the Marsh Landing Dock in early 2024, which will now be expedited as part of the investigation.
“Our hearts go out to all involved, including the entire Sapelo Island community,” the DNR stated in an official release. “We are committed to determining the cause of this tragic event and ensuring that safety measures are strengthened moving forward.”
As the investigation continues, authorities urge caution when traveling to the island. All non-essential trips are discouraged, and ferry services are expected to operate on a limited schedule until further notice. Meanwhile, Georgia’s emergency response teams remain on high alert, ready to assist with any additional rescue or recovery efforts.
Sapelo Island residents, many of whom have deep generational ties to the island, are now grappling with the shock and grief of the unexpected tragedy. Yet, the resilience of the Gullah-Geechee people is palpable. “We have endured many hardships,” said Singleton, his voice filled with resolve. “This will not break us.”
For now, the island mourns its loss while state and federal officials work to prevent such tragedies from happening again. As the sun rose over Sapelo’s marshes on Sunday morning, a somber silence hung over the island—a stark contrast to the vibrant celebrations that had taken place just 24 hours earlier.
