Seven people were killed and six others were seriously injured when a gangway that was part of a ferry pier collapsed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, on Saturday.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said at least 20 people went into the water when the structure collapsed just before 4 p.m., prompting the U.S. Coast Guard and state and local agencies to respond.
Capt. Chris Hodge, regional supervisor for the department’s law enforcement division, said seven people were killed and six seriously injured in the incident.
The two were reportedly transported to another hospital for treatment.
Hodge said the cause of the collapse was under investigation.
The Coast Guard continued to participate in an active search for survivors Saturday night, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Emery.
“We’re not in the recovery phase at this point,” she said.
Two Coast Guard air crew members were deployed, including one from an MH-65 helicopter, Emery said.
The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that a reunification center has been set up at Elm Grove Baptist Church in nearby Meridian.
The Separo Island Cultural Revitalization Association held its annual Culture Day celebration on the island on Saturday, calling it “our most famous event.” It is not clear whether celebrants were on the gangway.
“The Sapelo Island community appreciates the outpouring of love and support and asks that you join us in praying for the families of those affected by this tragedy,” the association said Saturday night. said in a statement.
Department of Natural Resources spokesman Tyler Jones said a Gullah-Geechee cultural celebration was being held on the island when the collapse occurred, according to an Associated Press report.
The centuries-old culture has been maintained by descendants of West and Central African slaves living along the coast of the southeastern United States, and they have been able to retain many of their native African traditions.
President Joe Biden said in a statement Saturday night that he would provide federal resources to affected parties, including the Gullah-Geechee.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the collapse of the ferry pier walkway on Sapelo Island, Georgia,” Biden said on behalf of himself and the first lady. “What was supposed to be a joyful celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history turned into tragedy and devastation.”
Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock called the news “a tragic end to a joyous celebration” on social media platform X.
“Tonight, the hearts of all Georgians are with the Gullah-Geechee community and the people of Sapelo Island,” he said.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said in a statement that he, his wife and daughters are “heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island.”
“As state and local first responders continue to work on this active scene, we ask all of Georgia to stand up for those lost, those still at risk, and their families. We ask you to pray with us,” he said.
According to the Department of Natural Resources’ background on the gangway, the docks involved are used by public ferry ships, University of Georgia research trawlers, and several small boats.
Sapelo Island, on the Atlantic coast, is about 115 miles south of Savannah.
Correction (October 20, 2024, 12:30 a.m. ET): An earlier version of this article suggested that the gender of Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Emery was incorrect in the pronouns used. I was there. she is a woman
