Seven people, mostly in their 70s, but also including one woman in her 90s, were killed in a gangway collapse on Sapelo Island, Georgia, during a celebration of Gullah Geechee history. The collapse occurred as a ferry was docked, resulting in about 20 people falling into the water. Authorities suspect a “catastrophic failure” of the gangway as the cause of the incident and are conducting an investigation. Some survivors remain hospitalized in critical condition.
The island, known for its unique blend of African and American culture, is controlled by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is home to a Black enclave known as Hog Hammock, populated by Gullah Geechee people. Residents of Hog Hammock have been engaged in a fight against the county and state governments over attempts to displace them with taxes and regulations favoring luxury development.
The collapse has raised concerns about the safety of infrastructure on the island, with residents pointing out previous complaints about the gangway’s stability. The tragedy has also brought attention to the ongoing struggles faced by the Gullah Geechee community to maintain their cultural heritage and preserve their way of life on Sapelo Island. Efforts to investigate the cause of the collapse and support the families of the victims are underway, with calls for federal intervention and a focus on ensuring the survival of the Gullah Geechee people in the face of development pressures.
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