On Saturday, a cultural celebration on Sapelo Island was marred by a tragic incident resulting in multiple casualties and ongoing rescue efforts.
Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Dock Collapse Claims Lives During Sapelo Island Celebration
Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Dock Collapse Claims Lives During Sapelo Island Celebration
A festive gathering turns fatal after a ferry dock collapse in Georgia, leaving seven dead.
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In a heartbreaking incident, at least seven individuals lost their lives following the collapse of a ferry dock on Sapelo Island, Georgia, during a community celebration on Saturday. The accident occurred around 4:30 PM local time at the Marsh Landing Dock, sending approximately 20 people tumbling into the water as part of the gangway gave way amidst the festivity.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, launching a search and rescue operation with several victims transported to local hospitals. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life, offering prayers for the injured and those unaccounted for.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared his grief, stating he was "heartbroken" and urging prayers for the affected families. He activated state resources to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts. Representative Buddy Carter announced on social media that Biden's administration was prepared to offer any assistance needed by the local community.
Investigation into the malfunction is ongoing, with initial reports indicating no collision was involved prior to the dock's collapse. "The thing just collapsed," explained Tyler Jones of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources, with the exact reasons still unknown.
Local pastor Jerald Thomas witnessed the aftermath and commended the community's rapid response to help those affected during this terrible time.
The celebration was intended to honor the Gullah-Geechee culture, a heritage stemming from freed enslaved populations who started the community of Hogg Hummock on Sapelo Island post-Civil War. This tragic turn of events transformed what should have been a joyous occasion into an unforgettable calamity, echoing President Biden's sentiments that the day "should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history."
Sapelo Island, which remains accessible only by boat from the mainland, is home to a small but resilient population dedicated to preserving their unique cultural identity.
In a heartbreaking incident, at least seven individuals lost their lives following the collapse of a ferry dock on Sapelo Island, Georgia, during a community celebration on Saturday. The accident occurred around 4:30 PM local time at the Marsh Landing Dock, sending approximately 20 people tumbling into the water as part of the gangway gave way amidst the festivity.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, launching a search and rescue operation with several victims transported to local hospitals. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life, offering prayers for the injured and those unaccounted for.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared his grief, stating he was "heartbroken" and urging prayers for the affected families. He activated state resources to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts. Representative Buddy Carter announced on social media that Biden's administration was prepared to offer any assistance needed by the local community.
Investigation into the malfunction is ongoing, with initial reports indicating no collision was involved prior to the dock's collapse. "The thing just collapsed," explained Tyler Jones of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources, with the exact reasons still unknown.
Local pastor Jerald Thomas witnessed the aftermath and commended the community's rapid response to help those affected during this terrible time.
The celebration was intended to honor the Gullah-Geechee culture, a heritage stemming from freed enslaved populations who started the community of Hogg Hummock on Sapelo Island post-Civil War. This tragic turn of events transformed what should have been a joyous occasion into an unforgettable calamity, echoing President Biden's sentiments that the day "should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history."
Sapelo Island, which remains accessible only by boat from the mainland, is home to a small but resilient population dedicated to preserving their unique cultural identity.
