Photo credit: @nanana365media via X
New York, USA – In a tragic incident on Saturday, a ferry dock on Sapelo Island, Georgia, partially collapsed, resulting in the death of at least seven people. The dock, which had been crowded with people attending a celebration, collapsed after being struck by a boat, sending many into the water. Local authorities continue their efforts to find survivors, while emergency services are still actively responding to the scene.
According to Tyler Jones, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, multiple people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. Jones also confirmed that a large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident, involving both state and local emergency teams. The ongoing search for survivors has been challenging due to the island’s remote location and the need to coordinate efforts by boat, given that Sapelo Island is only accessible by water.
The incident has drawn widespread concern and sympathy from public officials. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We are heartbroken by Saturday’s tragedy on Sapelo Island. As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask all Georgians to join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.”
Rep. Buddy Carter, representing Georgia’s 1st Congressional District, also expressed his grief, noting the swift response from state agencies. “My thoughts and prayers are with Sapelo Island following the tragedy at the ferry dock. Governor Kemp has sent state resources to aid in search, rescue, and recovery. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stepped up in the wake of this heartbreaking loss,” he posted on X.
Local reports indicate that the ferry dock was a key transportation link for residents and visitors on Sapelo Island, which is a state-protected barrier island in McIntosh County. The island is known for its historical and environmental significance, and the ferry service is the primary means of access for tourists and locals alike. The collapse has shocked the tight-knit island community, many of whom were attending the celebration when the incident occurred.
Witnesses at the scene described the sudden chaos when the gangway collapsed, sending dozens of people into the water. Several boats in the area quickly responded to assist those struggling to stay afloat, but the speed and impact of the collapse made rescue efforts difficult.
The cause of the boat’s collision with the dock is currently under investigation, with authorities looking into possible mechanical issues or navigational errors. The U.S. Coast Guard has also been called in to assess the situation and provide additional support for the investigation.
As the search for survivors continues, Georgia’s first responders, including the local fire department and rescue teams, remain stationed on the island, working around the clock to ensure that no one is left behind. Officials have not yet confirmed the identities of those who lost their lives, but they have pledged to keep the public informed as more details emerge.
This tragic incident has not only left the island reeling but has also sparked conversations around the safety of ferry services and docks in the state. Calls for further safety measures and inspections of ferry docks across Georgia have already begun circulating among local communities, as families of the victims mourn their loss.
Sapelo Island, a historical site known for its Gullah-Geechee heritage and natural beauty, has never experienced such a large-scale tragedy in recent memory. Residents of the island, many of whom depend on ferry services for daily life, are now left in mourning and uncertainty as authorities work to restore normalcy.
As of now, authorities have not announced any further developments, and the recovery process is expected to take time. Governor Kemp has assured residents that the state is fully committed to providing all necessary resources to help the island heal from this tragedy.
