Sapelo Island was forced into national spotlight on October 19, 2024, when a tragic incident occurred involving the collapse of the ferry dock gangway, resulting in seven deaths and multiple injuries.
Sapelo Island is a state-protected barrier island that is known for its history and right culture. The Gullah-Geechee people live on Sapelo Island, which is one of the Georgia Barrier Islands. History claims that these people are descended from West Africans who were brought to the area as slaves. The isolated beaches, wildlife, and historical sites of Sapelo Island draw a lot of tourists.
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The only way to reach the island is by boat, with the main ferry departing from the Sapelo Island Visitors Center, making a twenty-minute trip over seven miles (11 km). The island is home to Hog Hammock, the last known Gullah community.
Residents, property owners, and their visitors are the only ones allowed entry, and outside visitors need to get a permit from the state's tourism bureau. The state of Georgia owns around 97% of the island, which is run by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The remaining 3% is privately owned.
Additionally, near the southern end of Salepo Island, 1,500 acres are devoted to research and development at the University of Georgia Marine Institute. Guests can only visit as part of scheduled tours or as guests of locals.
What exactly happened at Sapelo Island?
The tragic incident at Sapelo Island occurred while people were getting on or off the ferry, which is the only way to reach the island. Unfortunately, seven people lost their lives, and several others were injured.
According to Georgia DNR Capt. Chris Hodge, the incident took place during a festival celebrating the small Gullah-Geechee community. A gangway collapsed at the ferry dock, causing about 20 people to fall into the water. Although an earlier report suggested a boat may have struck the dock, authorities later confirmed there was no collision. The cause of the collapse remains unclear as officials continue to investigate the event.
Those injured were brought to the hospital for treatment after emergency personnel arrived promptly to assist. Although the cause of the collapse is still being investigated, it appears that the cause of the accident could have been the wear and tear of the structure after years of use.
Consequently, ferry services have been suspended until further notice, and the ferry port is currently closed. The McIntosh County Office of the Sheriff posted a notice on their official Facebook account. They wrote:
"Multiple agencies have and are responding to assist those in need. We have set up a family re-unification point at the Elm Grove Baptist Church. We ask that anyone searching for family members, please check there first. We also request that people be mindful of emergency vehicles traveling in and out of the county."
This accident has received a lot of attention in the news, and by officials who've expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and promised help with the investigation.
This terrible incident emphasizes the importance of keeping transportation networks that serve isolated places like Sapelo Islands safe and well-maintained.
Understanding the underlying reasons for the dock collapse to avoid future tragedies will be crucial as the investigation continues.
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