‘Catastrophic failure:’ 7 dead, 3 in critical condition after dock gangway collapses on GA’s coast

Ga. — An investigation is underway after a ferry dock gangway collapsed, killing at least seven people, Saturday night.

Hundreds of visitors traveled to Sapelo Island in celebration of the Cultural Day to celebrate and honor the Gullah Geechee heritage.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon said during a news conference, that it’s an annual event hosted by the Cultural Revitalization Committee.

Rabon said the gangway at the dock collapsed and sent people plunging into the water. Officials said 20 people fell into the water.

“Guests were in the process of loading the ferry and Ameri, which was tied up to the dock,” Rabon explained.

This resulted in seven deaths, with three people remaining in the hospital in critical condition.

ABC News confirmed the identities of the deceased victims with the coroner’s office:

Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, Jacksonville
Cynthia Gibbs, 74, Jacksonville
Charles L. Houston, 77, Darien, Georgia
William Johnson, Jr., 73, Atlanta
Carlotta McIntosh, 92, Jacksonville
Isaiah Thomas, 79, Jacksonville
Queen Welch, 76, Atlanta
Initial findings from the investigation revealed it was a ‘‘catastrophic failure’ of the gangway causing it to collapse. The gangway was installed in 2021, according to officials.

“It is a structural failure. There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we’ll see what the investigation unfolds,” Rabon said. “I can assure you the DNR Critical Incident Reconstruction Team will be working tirelessly in conjunction with engineers and the GBI to gather and preserve evidence and interview witnesses.”

Rabon said “upwards of 40 people” were on the gangway when the “catastrophic failure” occurred, and at least 20 people fell into the water. The gangway connected an outer dock where people board the ferry to another dock onshore. None of the seven people killed were residents of the island, Rabon said. Eight people were taken to hospitals, at least six of them were initially reported Saturday to have critical injuries.