Seven people, mostly in their 70s, were killed in a gangway collapse on Sapelo Island in Georgia during a celebration of Gullah Geechee history. Around 700 people were present when the gangway leading to the island’s Marsh Ferry Dock collapsed, causing about 20 people to fall into the water. Despite attempts by bystanders and state employees to save those in the water, seven people lost their lives. One of the victims was Charles L. Houston, a Department of Natural Resources chaplain known for his dedication to preserving the Gullah Geechee heritage.
An investigation into the collapse is ongoing, with authorities considering overcrowding as a possible cause. The collapsed gangway, part of the ferry Annemarie, was rebuilt in 2021 and regularly inspected. The surviving victims were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities conducted search operations to ensure everyone was accounted for.
Sapelo Island is home to a Black enclave, Hog Hammock, where residents have been in a dispute with local authorities over regulations that could impact the Gullah Geechee community. Residents have accused the county of attempting to push them off the land through taxation and new rules. The community has sought intervention from the state Supreme Court to prevent new regulations that may endanger their way of life. Amid the tragedy, survivors and relatives of the deceased have found support from the Gullah Geechee community in their fight for survival.
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