Seven Killed as Sapelo Island Dock Collapses During Gullah-Geechee Gathering
Authorities in Georgia are investigating the catastrophic failure of a dock gangway on Sapelo Island that collapsed, leading to the tragic death of seven individuals. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 19, as crowds gathered to celebrate the island’s Gullah-Geechee community, a historically significant group of Black slave descendants.
The collapse happened at a dock operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). According to Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the DNR, the gangway suddenly gave way, sending dozens of people into the waters below. "There have been seven fatalities confirmed," Jones stated solemnly. "There have been multiple people transported to area hospitals, and we are continuing to search the water for individuals." Emergency crews, including those from the U.S. Coast Guard, the McIntosh County Fire Department, and other agencies, swiftly responded, with search efforts continuing into the night.
The victims, who were identified on Sunday, ranged in age from 73 to 93. They include:
- Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, of Jacksonville
- Cynthia Gibbs, 74, of Jacksonville
- Charles L. Houston, 77, of Darien
- William Johnson Jr., 73, of Atlanta
- Carlotta McIntosh, 93, of Jacksonville
- Isaiah Thomas, 79, of Jacksonville
- Queen Welch, 76, of Atlanta
These individuals had traveled to Sapelo Island for the weekend festivities, meant to honor the island's Gullah-Geechee culture. The Gullah-Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans, have lived along the southeastern coast of the United States for centuries, preserving a unique language and cultural heritage.
According to early reports, the gangway, which was installed in 2021, collapsed under the weight of what officials estimate were upwards of 40 people. At least 20 individuals were thrown into the water when the structure gave way. Of those, three remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals as of Sunday. Authorities have not yet confirmed the precise cause of the structural failure, but DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon hinted at potential maintenance issues, stating, "There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we’ll see what the investigation unfolds."
Initial investigations suggest that the gangway might not have been adequately prepared to handle the heavy foot traffic that Saturday’s celebration drew. The exact number of people who were on the dock at the time is still under review, but eyewitnesses reported that the structure was crowded with attendees as they gathered to board boats or enjoy the waterfront.
Among the dead was a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, highlighting the personal toll this tragedy has taken on both the local and broader Georgia communities.
Georgia authorities, including structural engineers and maritime experts, are working diligently to determine what caused the aluminum gangway to fail so abruptly. The fact that the structure had only been installed three years prior raises questions about its design, construction, and upkeep. While Rabon acknowledged that the investigation is still in its early stages, he stressed the importance of ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future. "Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this horrific incident," he said during a press conference.
Sapelo Island, located about 60 miles south of Savannah, is a remote and historically rich area accessible only by boat. It is home to the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve and a small population of permanent residents. The island’s Gullah-Geechee community has long fought to preserve its cultural heritage, and the weekend’s celebration was intended as a joyful gathering of friends, family, and community members.
In the wake of the tragedy, local officials have called for increased scrutiny of all public infrastructure on Sapelo Island, particularly as more visitors continue to frequent the island for cultural events and tourism. The state has already initiated a comprehensive review of all docks and gangways under its jurisdiction, with a focus on ensuring the safety and durability of structures subjected to heavy foot traffic.
Community leaders, both on and off the island, have also expressed their sorrow over the loss of life. Support services, including grief counseling, have been made available to survivors and the families of the deceased. The Gullah-Geechee community, still reeling from the incident, has vowed to continue its efforts to preserve its history and culture, while mourning those who were lost.
"We’re devastated by what happened," said a representative from the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Gullah-Geechee culture. "But we will come together, as we always have, to support each other in the face of tragedy."
As authorities work to unravel the exact sequence of events leading to the collapse, the island remains a site of mourning and reflection. The investigation, which could take several weeks or months, will aim to provide answers to a community still in shock and prevent similar incidents in the future.
