Two people have died after a dock collapse on Sapelo Island, Georgia, a coastal community historically home to the Gullah Geechee people. The tragic incident has left the small island in mourning and raised concerns over infrastructure safety and access in isolated communities.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed the deaths occurred late Saturday, June 8, when a floating dock at the island’s ferry landing gave way. The collapse plunged multiple people into the water. Rescue efforts were launched immediately, but two individuals, identified as sisters by relatives, were pronounced dead after being recovered.
Officials have not released the victims’ names, but local reports and statements from relatives have identified them as two women with longstanding ties to the island. The sisters were reportedly waiting to board the ferry to return to the mainland following a family event when the incident happened. Several others were treated for minor injuries, and no one else is believed to be missing.
Sapelo Island, located off the coast of Georgia, is only accessible by boat or ferry. It is known for its deep African-American heritage and the historic Gullah Geechee community—descendants of West African slaves who preserved their unique language and cultural traditions.
The ferry dock, a lifeline for Sapelo’s residents, is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Officials from the DNR and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are now investigating the cause of the structural failure. So far, no official cause has been determined, but concerns over dock maintenance and safety are being raised by residents and advocates.
Many on Sapelo Island have long expressed frustration over what they describe as state neglect. Local residents say the ferry and dock system have been in need of upgrades for years, and this tragedy underscores the urgency of improving infrastructure on the island. “This should not have happened,” one family member of the victims told local media. “We’ve been asking for safe access for so long.”
Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised a thorough investigation. “This is a heartbreaking event, and we are committed to finding out what caused it,” he said. “Safety on our docks and ferry landings is a top priority.”
Community advocates, including the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society, have called on the state to take swift action to improve dock safety and accessibility. They also urged transparency in the investigation process and a review of past complaints related to island infrastructure.
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, a federally recognized entity dedicated to preserving the Gullah Geechee legacy, also issued a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity with the island community. “Sapelo Island is sacred ground for our culture and people. This loss is deeply personal and painful.”
Georgia state legislators representing the area, including State Rep. Al Williams, have pledged to push for emergency infrastructure funds and long-term investment in Sapelo Island. “This tragedy must be a turning point. We cannot ignore the needs of this community any longer,” Williams said in a statement.
The state has temporarily closed the Sapelo Island dock for further inspection and repairs. Alternate transportation plans are being arranged for residents and visitors while the investigation is ongoing.
Funeral arrangements for the victims are expected to be announced in the coming days, with many in the close-knit community preparing to gather in remembrance and support. As Sapelo Island mourns, voices are rising not only in grief but in a renewed demand for justice and long-overdue improvements to a vital piece of infrastructure.
The incident has rekindled broader conversations about access and equity for remote and historically marginalized communities across the United States.
Source: Associated Press (AP)
