Georgia authorities investigating "catastrophic failure" of dock gangway that collapsed, killing 7
Georgia authorities say they are investigating the “catastrophic failure” of a dock gangway that collapsed and killed seven people on Sapelo Island
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Georgia authorities said Sunday they are investigating the “catastrophic failure” of a dock gangway that collapsed and killed seven people on Sapelo Island.
That is where crowds had gathered for a fall celebration by the island’s tiny Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants.
“It is a structural failure. There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we’ll see what the investigation unfolds,” Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon said at a news conference.
The gangway was installed in 2021, authorities said.
Seven people were killed in the collapse Saturday, and Rabon said three remained hospitalized in critical condition Sunday.
Rabon said “upwards of 40 people” were on the gangway when it collapsed, and at least 20 fell into the water. Rabon said none of the people killed were residents of the island.
The ferry dock was rebuilt after Georgia officials in October 2020 settled a federal lawsuit by Hogg Hummock residents who complained the state-operated ferry boats and docks they rely upon to travel between Sapelo Island the mainland failed to meet federal accessibility standards for people with disabilities.
The state agreed to demolish and replace outdated docks while upgrading ferry boats to accommodate people in wheelchairs and those with impaired hearing. The state also paid a cash settlement of $750,000.