At least seven individuals lost their lives after a section of a boat dock collapsed, causing around 20 people to fall into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia.
On Saturday night, US Coast Guard vessels were actively searching for those missing.
The incident, which resulted in numerous injuries, occurred during a celebration for the Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves living on Sapelo Island, according to officials.
A gangway crowded with people waiting for a ferry collapsed late Saturday afternoon local time on the Georgia barrier island, approximately 97 km south of Savannah, as stated by Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which operates the ferry.
“We and multiple agencies are searching for survivors,” Jones remarked.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was in Atlanta for campaign activities, released a statement late Saturday, noting that the Biden administration was in close communication with state and local officials and had offered federal assistance as needed.
“Tonight, Doug and I are praying for all those who were killed or injured in the collapse of the ferry dock walkway on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, as well as their families and loved ones,” she said, referring to her husband, Doug Emhoff.
“Even amidst this tragedy, we will continue to celebrate and honor the history, culture, and resilience of the Gullah-Geechee community,” she added.
Coast Guard helicopters and boats equipped with sonar quickly commenced search-and-rescue efforts, though the cause of the accident remains unclear.
Sapelo Island is accessible only by boat, with the state-operated ferry taking about 20 minutes to reach its destination.
The celebration was for Cultural Day, an annual festival that honors the island’s historic Black community descended from former enslaved individuals, one of the few remaining island communities from Georgia to North Carolina.
The Gullah, or Geechee in Georgia, are believed to have preserved much of their African heritage due to their geographical isolation.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved, including the entire Sapelo Island community,” stated the Georgia DNR.
