Seven Dead, Several Missing After Dock Collapse in Georgia

GEORGIA — At least seven people have died and several others are missing after part of a crowded dock collapsed, sending at least 20 people into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia on Saturday afternoon. The tragic incident occurred on Sapelo Island, located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which manages the ferry service to the island, confirmed that the collapse happened as people were waiting to board a ferryboat on a gangway. The structure gave way, plunging passengers into the water. Rescue efforts were immediately launched, involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tyler Jones, spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, provided an update on the situation, stating that search and rescue operations were still ongoing. “We and multiple agencies are searching for survivors,” Jones said. Emergency teams, including Coast Guard helicopters and boats equipped with sonar, were deployed to comb the area for missing individuals.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse. The dock was reportedly crowded at the time, adding to the severity of the accident. Sapelo Island, which can only be reached by boat, is a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. The state-run ferry service usually takes about 20 minutes to transport passengers from the mainland to the island.

The U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency services worked through Saturday night to search for any survivors who may still be in the water. Officials have not confirmed how many people remain unaccounted for, but the search efforts are ongoing, and divers have been dispatched to the scene to assist in locating potential victims.

Witnesses reported seeing the gangway suddenly buckle under the weight of the people waiting for the ferry, sending them into the water below. Some were quickly pulled to safety by bystanders, but others were swept away by the current. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene to tend to those injured in the collapse. The exact number of injured has not yet been confirmed.

As of Sunday morning, rescue efforts were continuing, with hopes of finding any survivors. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are expected to begin as soon as recovery efforts are complete. Local authorities and the Coast Guard have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to focus on the search and recovery mission.

This tragedy has left the community in shock, with many families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Further updates are expected as search efforts continue and the investigation into the collapse progresses.