SAVANNAH, Ga. — A tragic scene unfolded as bystanders rushed to help after a gangway collapsed at a ferry dock on Sapelo Island during a much-anticipated cultural festival celebrating the Gullah-Geechee heritage. Orange life jackets floated in the water as individuals formed human chains to assist those who fell into the Atlantic, while others sadly worked to recover the deceased, wrapping them in blankets and carrying them ashore.
The incident took place on Saturday when an estimated 40 people were boarding the ferry back to the mainland. The gangway, which had been rebuilt just two years ago, suddenly gave way, causing about 20 individuals to plunge into the water, where strong currents posed a significant risk. Reginald Hall, a local resident, described the atmosphere as “chaotic” and “horrible,” recalling how he helped a child reach safety as part of the human chain stretching 60 yards to the shore.
As a result of the collapse, seven individuals lost their lives, and three others remained hospitalized as of Sunday, according to Walter Rabon from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. An investigation is underway, with an accident reconstruction team working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to uncover the cause of this devastating event. Rabon noted that an aluminum gangway like the one in question should require minimal maintenance.
The festival, known as Cultural Day, typically attracts a large influx of visitors, with approximately 700 people expecting to enjoy the festivities that showcase the heritage of the Gullah-Geechee community. This small yet historically rich enclave of Hogg Hummock has roots tracing back to freed slaves who settled there after the Civil War. Researchers highlight that these descendants continue to honor their African heritage through distinctive dialects and traditional skills like basket weaving and fishing.
Access to Sapelo Island is limited to state-run ferries, with no bridge connecting it to the mainland. Ed Grovner, a ferry operator, shared the anguish of witnessing life jackets thrown into the frigid waters where the depth reaches 36 feet at high tide. Unfortunately, his crew reached a couple, but they were already deceased. Grovner recounted struggling with sleep that night, haunted by the desire to save those affected.
As word of the disaster spread, Jazz Watts, a resident of Hogg Hummock, observed numerous emergency responders and citizens attempting to rescue those still in the water while providing CPR and first aid. He expressed deep sorrow at the sight of the injured and deceased being brought ashore. One local resident, JR Grovner, assisted an injured woman to safety, transporting her to a nearby field designated for helicopter evacuations.
The residents of Sapelo Island have historically raised concerns regarding a lack of basic emergency services, having previously filed a federal lawsuit in 2015. In a settlement reached in 2022, county officials promised the construction of a helicopter pad on the island, a commitment that local residents assert has yet to be fulfilled. Issues surrounding healthcare services have also persisted, as a planned clinic deal fell apart, further underscoring the community’s concerns about inadequate local governance.
Following the tragic incident, both local sheriffs and the U.S. Coast Guard quickly dispatched teams to Sapelo Island to assist with rescue efforts. Rabon confirmed that none of the deceased were residents of the island, identifying one victim as Charles Houston Jr., a chaplain for the Natural Resources agency.
With its designation on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996, Hogg Hummock is experiencing a demographic decline, with some locals selling land to outsiders for vacation homes. Recent zoning changes that allow for larger homes have raised fears among residents that this trend could lead to increased taxes and further displacement of long-standing families from their ancestral lands.