Survivors of a tragic walkway collapse at a state-operated ferry terminal on a Georgia island are urging government authorities to assist with funeral expenses for the seven individuals who lost their lives, as well as to cover medical costs and provide mental health support for the survivors.
During a meeting held by the Urban Affairs Committee of the Georgia Senate in Atlanta, four attendees, who were present during the incident on Sapelo Island on October 19, shared their harrowing experiences. On that day, a metal gangway broke in half, leading to numerous people falling into the water below.
Among those sharing their stories was Yvonne Brockington, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. She had organized a trip for over 50 members of her seniors’ group to participate in an annual cultural festival hosted by the small Gullah-Geechee community on the island, which comprises descendants of Black slaves. Brockington recounted that while waiting for a ferry, she suddenly felt like she was in a falling elevator. After falling, she realized that both of her legs had broken. While bystanders managed to rescue her using a rope, four members from her group tragically did not survive.
Expressing the deep emotional impact of the event, Brockington stated during her video call from the hospital, “The psychological effect, I don’t know if it will ever go away, but we definitely need help. It should not have happened. The state of Georgia owes us more than resources. They owe us an apology, and they must ensure it never occurs again.”
Other survivors expressed their continued trauma from the event. Darrel Jenkins, who was able to rescue two individuals from the water, recounted his ongoing nightmares and uncertainty over the fates of those he couldn’t save. “What about the people that might not have lived? Could I have done more?” he pondered. Similarly, Regina Brinson shared the heartbreaking moment when she lost her 79-year-old uncle, Isaiah Thomas, who drowned after she had to yank his fingers from her shirt to escape being pulled under herself. She stated, “We need mental health support, financial support, resources to ensure that the survivors and their families have what they need to start recovery.”
The ferry dock on Sapelo Island is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the ferry service connecting the island to the mainland. Reportedly, around 700 visitors attended Cultural Day on October 19, celebrating the heritage of the Hogg Hummock community, one of the last remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the South, founded by freed slaves after the Civil War.
Mawuli Davis, an attorney representing several injured victims, informed lawmakers that while state investigators have reached out to his clients, no one from the government has offered them any assistance. The consensus among lawmakers is that state officials must take greater accountability to support the victims. However, the level of influence they might have could be limited, given that the committee is composed of six Democrats, while the Republicans control both the legislature and the governor’s office.
Sen. Donzella James, who chairs the committee, asserted, “The state has responsibility. We’re having this hearing to find out what it is exactly they’re responsible for.” Currently, the Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, is conducting an investigation into the causes of the collapse. However, some victims’ attorneys have conveyed their skepticism regarding the state agency’s ability to impartially investigate itself. Last week, Attorney General Chris Carr announced that he would engage an independent engineering firm for an additional investigation.
Notably, no representatives from the Department of Natural Resources made an appearance at the committee hearing. In response to the incident over the past weekend, the agency extended free counseling services to Sapelo Island residents, as well as those in McIntosh County on the mainland. They announced in a release that “ongoing mental health resources will be provided to those in need” and stated that Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon had reached out to the families affected by the tragedy. The release also provided information for victims on how to submit liability claims against the state.
A representative from the Department of Natural Resources did not respond promptly to requests for further information concerning the assistance being provided to the victims of the incident.