Seven people are dead and a half-dozen others were seriously injured after a gangplank that is part of a ferry dock collapsed Saturday on Sapelo Island, Georgia.
The state Department of Natural Resources said at least 20 people went into the water when the structure collapsed before 4 p.m., prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard and state and local agencies.
Seven people died in the incident and six were seriously injured, said Capt. Chris Hodge, regional supervisor for the department’s law enforcement division.
Two people were flown to other hospitals for treatment, he said.
The cause of the collapse was under investigation, Hodge said.
The Coast Guard was still actively searching for survivors Saturday night, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Emery said.
“This is not in a recovery phase at this point,” she said.
Two Coast Guard crews, including one attached to an MH-65 helicopter, were deployed, Emery said.
A reunification center has been set up at Elm Grove Baptist Church in nearby Meridian, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.
The Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society held its annual Cultural Day celebration on the island Saturday, calling it “our most celebrated event.” It’s unclear whether any celebrants were on the gangplank.
“The Sapelo Island community is grateful for the outpouring of love and support, and we ask that you join us in praying for the families of those affected by this tragedy,” the society said in a statement Saturday night.
Tyler Jones, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said a celebration of the Gullah Geechee culture was underway on the island when the collapse occurred, The Associated Press reported.
The ancient culture has been maintained by descendants of slaves from West and Central Africa along the coast of the southeastern United States, who have preserved many of their indigenous African traditions.
President Joe Biden said in a statement Saturday night that he would provide federal resources to the affected parties, including the Gullah Geechee.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the collapse of the ferry dock on Sapelo Island, Georgia,” Biden said, speaking on behalf of himself and the first lady. “What should have been a joyful celebration of Gullah Geechee culture and history has turned into tragedy and devastation.”
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., called the news on the social media platform X “a tragic end to a joyful celebration.”
“The hearts of every Georgian tonight are with the Gullah Geechee community and the people of Sapelo Island,” he said.
In a statement, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he, his wife and daughters are “heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island.”
“As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask all Georgians to join us in praying for the victims, those still in danger and their families,” he said.
According to the Department of Natural Resources’ background on the gangway, the associated dock is used by public ferries, the University of Georgia’s research boat and some small boats.
Sapelo Island, located on the Atlantic coast, is about 72 miles south of Savannah.
CORRECTION (Oct. 20, 2024, 12:30 p.m. ET): An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Emery as a woman. She is a woman.