A gangway collapse at a dock in Georgia during a festival celebrating Gullah Geechee history resulted in the deaths of seven people, all 73 and older. Witnesses and survivors described the incident as a “catastrophic failure” that occurred as people were trying to board a ferry to Sapelo Island. One survivor, Regina Brinson, tearfully recounted how she and others were plunged into the water when the metal walkway collapsed, resulting in the death of her uncle, Isaiah Thomas. Another survivor, Katrena Alexander, stated that there was too much traffic on the gangway, leading to chaos and ultimately the collapse.
Calls for a federal investigation have mounted, with attorney Ben Crump representing some of the families affected by the tragedy. He emphasized the need to uncover the truth behind the collapse and hold those responsible accountable. A local resident had previously warned authorities about the shabby condition of the gangway, but no action was taken. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which operates the dock, is leading the state’s investigation into the incident, but there are concerns about impartiality.
The victims had traveled to Sapelo Island to celebrate the Gullah Geechee people, a community with a rich history descended from Africans enslaved on coastal plantations. The incident has highlighted the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. Efforts are underway to ensure justice for the victims and their families, with demands for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
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