The collapse of a dock gangway at a cultural festival on Sapelo Island resulted in the deaths of seven people and left more than a dozen others injured. The tragedy occurred during the island’s annual Cultural Day celebration, highlighting the Gullah Geechee history of the Saltwater Geechee community. Many of the residents on the island are descendants of slaves who were brought to Sapelo plantations during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The incident occurred as festival goers were preparing to board a ferry, with a chaplain for the Department of Natural Resources among the victims. Three people remained in critical condition following the collapse, with a desperate search and rescue operation underway to locate survivors in the murky waters.
The collapse was described as a catastrophic failure, with engineers working to determine the exact cause. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of people scrambling to safety as others fell into the water. The tragedy has raised questions about who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the dock, especially in a community already facing social and political challenges.
President Biden and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences for those affected by the tragedy, with Biden offering assistance to the community. Witnesses and first responders were praised for their quick actions in saving lives during the chaotic aftermath of the collapse. The Gullah Geechee community on Sapelo Island faces an uncertain future amidst rising seas and development, despite their inclusion in a designated cultural heritage corridor.
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