ATLANTA — In a recent development, Georgia’s Attorney General has enlisted an engineering firm to carry out an independent inquiry into a tragic dock collapse that occurred on Sapelo Island. This incident took place during a celebration honoring the historic Gullah-Geechee nation, which is comprised of Black descendants of enslaved individuals.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, responsible for managing the dock, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, has initiated a state-level probe into the events that transpired last weekend. This state investigation is set to proceed concurrently with the inquiry being undertaken by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates.
The calamity resulted in the loss of seven lives, all individuals over the age of 70, following the collapse of an aluminum gangway on Saturday. Reportedly, around 40 people were present on the dock at the time of the incident, and nearly 20 of them fell into the water, many fighting against strong currents in a desperate attempt to stay afloat. Medical reports indicate that eight others were taken to the hospital, with at least six suffering from severe injuries. As of Thursday, two of the hospitalized individuals remain in critical condition, according to officials.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have indicated that it could be an extensive process. Key actions will involve interviewing witnesses and collecting pertinent evidence, which includes a thorough inspection of the collapsed gangway at a secure facility. Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, noted that Crescent Equipment Co., a Georgia-based company, conducted an inspection less than a year ago. Furthermore, the Department of Natural Resources had also checked the dock following the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton.
The Department of Natural Resources oversees dock operations on the island, which is only accessible by boat and lacks medical facilities. On the day of the collapse, approximately 700 visitors attended the annual Cultural Day festival for the Gullah-Geechee community, which celebrates their history. Despite the festive atmosphere, issues such as ongoing gentrification and increased taxes have caused many Gullah-Geechee residents to leave in search of better opportunities and infrastructure.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the families of three of the deceased, expressed doubt in the state’s ability to thoroughly investigate the collapse and called for the Department of Justice to step in.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the 80-foot (24-meter) gangway was designed to support a maximum load of 320 individuals. This dock was reconstructed in 2021 after residents filed a lawsuit against Georgia officials for not adhering to federal accessibility standards that pertain to ferries and docks for individuals with disabilities.
Residents of Hogg Hummock also contended in the 2021 lawsuit that McIntosh County had failed to provide adequate emergency resources for the island’s inhabitants. As part of a settlement with the community, an agreement was reached for improving emergency services, which included the promise to construct a helicopter landing pad. However, local residents claimed that this pad remains unbuilt, necessitating the use of an overgrown field for helicopter evacuations following the collapse.
The Gullah-Geechee community, both on Sapelo Island and beyond, is still in mourning. In Jacksonville, Florida, community members gathered for a prayer vigil to support the bereaved families at a local African Methodist Episcopal church, attended by local pastors and political figures. Together, they honored the memory of the victims, who are being referred to by many as the “Sapelo Seven.”