An independent investigation is underway following a tragic dock collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island during a celebration for the historic Gullah-Geechee nation. The collapse resulted in the death of seven people over the age of 70 and left many others critically injured.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are already conducting a state investigation into the incident, while an engineering firm, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, has been brought in to conduct its own investigation. This dual investigation aims to gather as much information as possible to determine the cause of the collapse.
The dock, which is operated by the Department of Natural Resources, was inspected less than a year ago by Georgia-based Crescent Equipment Co. and again after recent hurricanes. Despite these inspections, the tragic incident occurred during the annual Cultural Day festival on the island, which drew in a large crowd of visitors.
The 80-foot gangway that collapsed should have been able to hold 320 people according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The dock was rebuilt in 2021 following a lawsuit over federal accessibility standards and emergency services on the island. Residents have expressed concerns over the lack of emergency resources and infrastructure on the island, highlighting the need for improvements.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing relatives of the victims, has called for the Department of Justice to investigate the collapse, expressing skepticism towards the state’s investigation. The Gullah-Geechee community is still in mourning, with residents coming together for prayer vigils and gatherings to support the grieving families.
As investigations continue and the community mourns the loss of the “Sapelo Seven,” it is essential to prioritize safety measures and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance, inspections, and emergency preparedness in public spaces to prevent similar accidents from occurring.
