Survivors of a devastating aluminum gangway collapse on Georgia's Sapelo Island are recounting the harrowing events that unfolded on Saturday, resulting in the loss of seven lives and injuries to at least three individuals. The incident, described by authorities as a 'catastrophic failure,' occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the Marsh Landing Dock, where a large group of people had gathered to celebrate the Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants.
According to reports, approximately 700 individuals were present on the island when the gangway collapsed, sending at least 20 people into the water. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as residents and visitors rushed to assist those in distress. Reginald Hall, an island resident, bravely formed a human chain to help rescue a young child from the water, while others worked tirelessly to provide aid to the injured.
Ed Grovner, who operates one of the state-operated ferries connecting the island to the mainland, shared his emotional experience of the tragedy, expressing his inability to sleep due to the haunting memories of the rescue efforts. The community was left in shock and grief as emergency responders and civilians worked together to retrieve victims from the water and administer life-saving measures.
Walter Rabon, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, revealed that an accident reconstruction team was investigating the cause of the gangway collapse, which had been reconstructed in 2021. Despite the recent inspection of the aluminum gangway in December 2023, the structure failed catastrophically while a significant number of individuals were standing on it.
The victims of the tragic incident have been identified as seven individuals from various locations, including Jacksonville, Darien, and Atlanta. Their names have been released to the public, highlighting the devastating impact of the disaster on families and communities.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse, the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of the tragic event. The resilience and unity displayed by individuals in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength and compassion of the Sapelo Island community.
