SAVANNAH, Ga. ‒ On Sunday, Georgia authorities began investigating the cause of a ferry dock collapse that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and sent over a dozen others into the murky waters, marking a moment of “tragedy and devastation” at a cultural festival on the historic Sapelo Island.

The incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. on Saturday when a gangway leading to the dock fell, according to Tyler Jones, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which manages the dock. Several victims were rushed to hospitals with severe injuries, while two individuals required airlift transport, Jones shared during a phone conversation.

“We are still uncertain about the reason for the gangway’s collapse,” Jones stated. “It was not hit by any boat.”

Coast Guard helicopters and boats with sonar technology were deployed for search-and-rescue efforts in the area. Sapelo Island, located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah, is accessible only via boat, with the state-run ferry making the trip in about 20 minutes. Engineers from the DNR plan to investigate the site on Sunday, Jones confirmed.

Many island residents are descendants of enslaved people

The island is home to around 70 permanent residents of the Hog Hammock community, many of whom are descendants of enslaved individuals from the Sapelo plantations. The unfortunate event coincided with Sapelo’s annual Cultural Day, which honors the community’s Gullah Geechee heritage. The Saltwater Geechee community of Sapelo Island consists of direct descendants of West Africans who were brought to the Americas for their skills in rice and indigo farming during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Gullah Geechee descendants inhabit coastal regions and barrier islands stretching from North Carolina to Florida, facing challenges such as climate change and development threats, despite being recognized within the designated Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.

Witness wonders who is to blame for collapse

Hermina Glass-Hill, an employee from Midway located about 30 miles north of Meridian, shared that her shuttle bus was positioned behind the bus that dropped off the passengers on the gangway when it fell.

“We witnessed people being covered in insulated bags to keep warm, along with others being carried away by first responders,” she recounted during a phone interview on Sunday morning.

Reflecting on the incident, Glass-Hill noted the stark contrast between the joyful celebration of Gullah Geechee culture, food, and music and the sudden tragedy that unfolded. After processing the events, she expressed concern over who is accountable for the dock’s safety in a place that is already burdened with numerous social and political challenges.

Upon reaching the mainland, Glass-Hill encountered a woman and her daughters whom she had met earlier that day. The daughters had returned home to vote early for the upcoming November 5 election. One of the daughters had witnessed a person drown and was repeatedly crying, ‘If I could have saved them! If I could have saved them!’” Glass-Hill recalled, her voice filled with emotion. “They were meant to return to college on Monday, but now they are grappling with survivor’s guilt.”

Biden laments ‘tragedy and devastation’

President Joe Biden released a statement expressing that he and First Lady Jill Biden were deeply saddened by the news. They are monitoring the situation and are ready to offer any necessary support to the community.

“What should have been an uplifting celebration of Gullah Geechee culture turned into a situation of tragedy and devastation,” the statement read. “Jill and I grieve for those who lost their lives and send prayers for those injured and still unaccounted for.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also made a statement, inviting all Georgians to join in prayer for the victims, those still in danger, and their families.”

Witnesses lauded for ‘jumping in to save lives’

Roger Lotson, a member of the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, noted that the slave descendants of Hogg Hummock share strong connections to each other and to the land. He, as the only Black member of the five-person commission, shared his prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.

“My thoughts are also with those who survived and witnessed this tragic event, as well as everyone linked to Sapelo and the Sapelo Cultural Day celebration,” Lotson conveyed to YSL News. “Many individuals at the scene heroically jumped into the water to help save lives, and we commend them, alongside our dedicated first responders.”

(This story has been updated with additional information.)