At least seven people have died after part of a boat dock collapsed, plunging over 20 individuals into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia. The U.S. Coast Guard continued searching for missing persons on Saturday night.
The incident, which caused numerous injuries, occurred during a celebration for Sapelo Island’s small Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves. Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, said the gangway, crowded with people waiting for a ferry, collapsed late Saturday afternoon on the Georgia barrier island, roughly 60 miles south of Savannah.
“We and multiple agencies are searching for survivors,” Jones stated.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was in Atlanta for campaign events, expressed her condolences, saying, “Doug and I are praying for all those who were killed or injured in the collapse of the ferry dock walkway on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, as well as their family members and loved ones.” She emphasized that, despite the tragedy, “we will continue to celebrate and honor the history, culture, and resilience of the Gullah-Geechee community.”
Coast Guard helicopters and boats equipped with sonar were deployed for search-and-rescue efforts. The cause of the collapse remains unknown.
Sapelo Island is accessible only by boat, with the state-run ferry taking about 20 minutes to reach its shores. The community had gathered for Cultural Day, an annual event celebrating the Gullah-Geechee people, known for preserving much of their African heritage due to their isolation.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved, including the entire Sapelo Island community,” the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.
