Tragedy struck on Saturday on Sapelo Island in Georgia, where part of a ferry dock collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. The incident occurred during a fall celebration organized by the island’s Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of black slaves.
Eight people were rushed to hospitals, with six of them sustaining critical injuries. Rescue operations involving the U.S. Coast Guard, McIntosh County Fire Department, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources were underway, with a focus on searching the water, as confirmed by Natural Resources spokesperson Tyler Jones.
The collapse of a gangway at the dock caused multiple individuals to fall into the water, prompting a team of engineers and construction specialists to investigate the cause of the walkway failure, starting early Sunday.
Despite no collision with a boat or other object, the dock’s collapse remains unexplained, according to Jones. The search efforts included helicopters and boats equipped with side-scanning sonar, as stated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Tragically, one of the deceased was a chaplain for the state agency, Jones revealed.
Approximately 20 individuals were on the gangway when it gave way, connecting an outer dock to the ferry boarding point.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow over the incident, urging all Georgians to join in prayer for the victims and their families. President Joe Biden also extended support, offering federal assistance as needed.
Sapelo Island, located 60 miles south of Savannah, was hosting Cultural Day, an annual event showcasing the Gullah-Geechee culture. The island’s history dates back to former slaves from Thomas Spalding’s cotton plantation, forming the community of Hogg Hummock.
Hogg Hummock, recognized as a National Historic Place since 1996, has seen a decline in population over the years, with concerns over land ownership, tax hikes, and zoning changes sparking protests and legal battles among residents and local authorities.
The community’s rich heritage and challenges reflect the ongoing struggles faced by Gullah-Geechee descendants in preserving their unique culture and way of life.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
