Seven people tragically lost their lives Saturday in a gangway collapse on Sapelo Island, Georgia. The victims were primarily in their 70s, with one woman aged 93, as confirmed by McIntosh County Coroner Melvin Anderson.
The incident occurred during a celebration of Gullah Geechee heritage, drawing about 700 attendees to the island, located 72 miles south of Savannah. The event highlighted the unique blend of African culture and American life that characterizes the Gullah Geechee community.
Coroner Anderson identified the deceased as:
- Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, Jacksonville, FL
- Cynthia Gibbs, 74, Jacksonville, FL
- Charles L. Houston, 77, Darien, GA
- William Johnson Jr., 73, Atlanta, GA
- Carlotta McIntosh, 93, Jacksonville, FL
- Isaiah Thomas, 79, Jacksonville, FL
- Queen Welch, 76, Atlanta, GA
Around 20 people fell into the water when the gangway leading to the Marsh Ferry Dock collapsed shortly before 4 p.m. Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon described the situation at a news conference, saying, “It was a catastrophic failure.”
Witnesses reported chaos as onlookers rushed into the water to help those who had fallen. Some of the 40 state employees present jumped in to assist with rescues.
Charles Houston, a Department of Natural Resources chaplain, was attending the celebration to support Gullah Geechee preservation efforts. His daughter, Heather Houston-Meeks, recounted his heroism, stating, “He was until the last second serving others and looking out for others.” She managed to reach safety but saw her father dive into the water to help others.
The gangway, rebuilt in 2021, had undergone regular inspections, although it was not due for another one soon. Rabon mentioned that overcrowding could be a factor, saying, “At this time I wouldn’t rule out anything as being a possibility.”
Images from the scene showed the collapsed structure, partially submerged, as rescuers worked frantically. Three survivors remained hospitalized in critical condition Sunday.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local sheriff’s deputies conducted searches for any additional victims. Fortunately, authorities later confirmed that all individuals involved had been accounted for.
The ferry service will resume Monday using an auxiliary dock, as announced by Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Tyler Jones.
A Struggle for Heritage
Sapelo Island is historically significant, home to a Gullah Geechee community in Hog Hammock. This enclave was established to protect the island’s Black residents after it came under state control in the late 20th century.
The Gullah Geechee people have maintained cultural traditions dating back to their ancestors who were forcibly brought to the U.S. as slaves. It remains unclear if any of the deceased were part of this community.
Currently, residents are battling the McIntosh County government over new regulations they believe threaten their way of life. Local resident J.R. Grovner expressed concerns about the gangway’s safety, stating he had raised issues about it months prior.
“We need a federal investigation into what caused the collapse,” Grovner said. “The family members who lost their loved ones have now become our family members.”
As the community mourns, they face ongoing struggles to preserve their heritage amidst threats from development and government regulations.
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