Tragic Collapse at Island Event: Seven Dead, Community Mourns

On Sapelo Island, Georgia, a dock gangway unexpectedly collapsed during a community festival, claiming seven lives and injuring many. The gangway, installed only a year before, was meant to serve the island's Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves. State officials are investigating why this "catastrophic failure" occurred, as over 40 people were on the gangway when it gave way. The gangway connected the ferry dock to the shore, a vital link for the island's residents, tourists, and especially those with disabilities. Recently, the state had rebuilt the dock to meet accessibility standards following a lawsuit.Search and rescue teams, including the U. S. Coast Guard, scoured the area. Helicopters and boats with advanced sonar systems were deployed. A member of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources was among the dead. President Biden offered federal assistance. The collapse happened during Cultural Day, an annual event highlighting the island's unique history and heritage. Sapelo Island, about 97 kilometers south of Savannah, is home to a tight-knit community with deep African roots. The community has faced challenges, including land sales to outsiders and tax issues. The tragic event has united the island's residents, who mourn together.