Savannah, Georgia – Tragedy Strikes Sapelo Island’s Cultural Celebration
Authorities have reported that at least seven people were killed on Saturday when part of a ferry dock collapsed on Sapelo Island, a small island community with deep cultural roots. This incident unfolded during a fall celebration organized by the island’s Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves who worked on Southern plantations. The joy of the celebration quickly turned to sorrow as the tragedy struck.
Details of the Incident
The collapse occurred at a gangway connecting an outer dock with another dock onshore, where the ferry transports residents and tourists to and from the island. Witnesses reported that at least 20 individuals were present on the gangway when it suddenly gave way, sending people plunging into the water. The collapse happened without any collision from a boat or any other object, prompting an immediate response.
In the aftermath, eight people were taken to hospitals, with at least six suffering from critical injuries. Emergency crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and McIntosh County Fire Department were swift to respond, utilizing helicopters and boats equipped with side-scan sonar to search the waters for survivors.
Ongoing Investigation
According to Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, a team of engineers and construction experts was scheduled to inspect the area early Sunday morning. They aim to determine the cause of the gangway’s failure. Jones stated, “We don’t know why. The thing just collapsed.”
Community Support and Response
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, officials from all levels of government have expressed their condolences. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated he was “heartbroken” and urged Georgians to pray for the victims and their families. President Joe Biden reiterated the need for support, saying, “What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy.”
A Look at Sapelo Island
Sapelo Island is located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah and is largely accessible only by boat. The tiny community of Hogg Hummock, where the celebration was taking place, consists of a handful of Black residents who are descendants of former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding, established after the Civil War.
Roger Lotson, the only Black commissioner on the McIntosh County Board, commented on the close-knit nature of the community saying, “Everyone is family, and everyone knows each other. In any tragedy, especially like this, they are all one.” His words reflect the deep emotional ties that bind the residents of Hogg Hummock together.
Cultural Significance
The Gullah-Geechee culture, which stretches along the South’s coast from Florida to North Carolina, is known for its preservation of African heritage. Scholars emphasize that the isolation of these communities has helped maintain their unique dialects, crafts, and traditions. Hogg Hummock was recognized for its historical importance in 1996 by being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Challenges Facing the Community
Despite its rich cultural background, the community faces significant challenges. The population of Hogg Hummock has been declining for years, with some families selling their land to outside developers who build vacation homes. Recently, local government zoning changes that allow larger homes have raised concerns among residents about higher taxes and potential loss of their ancestral lands.
As the community mourns the tragic loss of life, it grapples with the additional pressures from external factors that threaten its very existence.
