There are reports of at least 7 dead and 6 injured after a dock collapse during a cultural celebration in Georgia. McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that a failure of the main ferry dock on Sapelo Island caused the tragedy.
According to Darien News, agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, the McInstosh County Fire Department, Glynn County Fire and Rescue, and the US Coast guard were all involved in the rescue effort. With at least 20 people in the water after the dock collapse, crews used boats and helicopters to save those who were in danger.
The incident occurred during the Sapelo Island Cultural Day Event in Hog Hammock. The crowd that gathered on the aluminum dock was larger than normal, due to the crowds in attendance. The island’s only access is ether by boat or by ferry, which uses this dock twice daily.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, their chaplain that operates the dock was among those killed in the accident. DNR spokesperson Tyler Jones insisted that there was no collision with a boat before the dock collapse. “The thing just collapsed. We don’t know why,” he added.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp posted a statement to X expressing the condolences of his family for the victims, and asking all Georgians to pray “for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.”
