Gangway Collapse Claims 7 Lives on Historic Georgia Island

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Officials are investigating the tragic collapse of a ferry dock gangway on Sapelo Island, Georgia, which resulted in seven fatalities and left six others critically injured. The incident occurred during an annual celebration honoring the Gullah Geechee community, descendants of enslaved individuals, approximately 70 miles south of Savannah.

As of Sunday morning, three victims remained in critical condition after approximately 40 people were on the gangway when it collapsed just before 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed that 20 individuals fell into the water due to the structural failure, but all have since been accounted for.

According to Commissioner Walter Rabon, the gangway, which is made of aluminum and typically requires minimal maintenance, broke in the middle as passengers boarded the ferry. The deceased victims, whose ages ranged from 78 to 93, included four women and four men, as reported by McIntosh County Coroner Melvin Amerson.

Sapelo Island, primarily a small community, is home to a few dozen residents and celebrates its Gullah Geechee heritage through an annual festival focused on their language, cuisine, and art. Notably, none of the deceased are believed to be residents of the island.