At least seven people lost their lives and multiple others were injured after a part of a boat dock collapsed off the coast of Georgia, sending at least 20 individuals into the Atlantic waters. The tragic incident occurred during a celebration of Sapelo Island’s Gullah-Geechee community, with a gangway crowded with people waiting for a ferryboat collapsing on the barrier island. Search and rescue operations were immediately launched by the U.S. Coast Guard to locate missing individuals, as Vice President Kamala Harris offered federal support and expressed condolences to those affected.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which operates the ferry to Sapelo Island, reported that Coast Guard helicopters and boats equipped with sonar were deployed to search for survivors. The cause of the accident remains unknown, with authorities continuing their investigation. Sapelo Island, accessible only by boat, was hosting Cultural Day, an annual festival celebrating the island’s historic Black community, known as the Gullah-Geechee people who have preserved their African heritage due to their isolation.
In a statement, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, emphasizing the importance of honoring the Gullah-Geechee community’s history, culture, and resilience. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also extended their thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tragedy on Sapelo Island. As the search and rescue efforts continued, officials worked to determine the circumstances leading to the dock collapse, highlighting the need for support and unity in the face of the heartbreaking incident.
