### Seven Dead in Sapelo Island Dock Collapse as Authorities Launch Investigation

Georgia authorities are probing the catastrophic failure of a dock gangway on Sapelo Island that resulted in seven fatalities. The structure collapsed during a fall celebration attended by the Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves residing in the area.

According to the McIntosh County coroner, the victims included four individuals from Jacksonville: Isaiah Thomas, 79; Carlotta McIntosh, 93; Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75; and Cynthia Alynn Gibbs, 74. The other three deceased were Charles League Houston, 77, from Darien, Georgia; Queen Welch, 76, from Atlanta; and William Lee Johnson Jr., 73, from the Atlanta area.

Daisy Hicks, a witness at the scene, recounted the harrowing moments when she saw only people's heads above the water, submerged along with wheelchairs and walkers. Antoinette Jackson, whose mother was one of the attendees, described her mother as emotionally exhausted after the tragedy.

Approximately 40 individuals were reportedly on the dock gangway when it collapsed, sending at least 20 into the water. The gangway, installed in 2021, connected the ferry boarding dock to the shore. Despite being relatively new, it gave way during the event, which attracted around 700 visitors.

Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, stated that the failure appeared to be structural. Additional investigative teams, including experts in engineering and accident reconstruction, have been deployed to determine the cause of the collapse. Assisting in the effort is the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The collapse necessitated an extensive emergency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, local sheriff's offices, and fire departments. The isolated nature of Sapelo Island, accessible only by boat, added complexity to the rescue efforts.

Vice President Kamala Harris offered her condolences to the victims and gratitude to the first responders. The Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society also expressed thanks for the support and asked for prayers for the affected families.

Ed Grovner, a senior mate on a ferry, recounted the futile attempts to resuscitate some of the victims and shared that he had difficulty sleeping after the tragic event. His son, JR Grovner, had previously raised concerns about the gangway’s sturdiness, but these complaints were apparently not addressed.

Sapelo Island's historic community of Hogg Hummock, founded by former slaves, continues to face challenges including inadequate emergency services. Despite a legal settlement in 2022 promising improvements, efforts like building a helicopter pad have yet to materialize.

Reginald Hall, another local resident, aided the rescue by helping people trapped in the river's strong currents. He managed to save a 2-year-old child and assisted in transporting the injured.

None of the victims were residents of Sapelo Island. The event underscores the historic and ongoing struggles of this tight-knit community, now grappling with the loss of life at what was meant to be a celebration of their enduring cultural heritage.