Tragic Collapse Of Sapelo Island Gangway Claims Seven Lives

On Sunday, Oct. 21, media members toured the site where the gangway at the Sapelo Island dock collapsed. The structure was removed after this photo was taken and is now at a secure DNR facility as the investigation continues.

A Sapelo Island gangway collapse resulted in seven fatalities at the Marsh Landing Dock, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. The tragic event took place Saturday, Oct. 19.

“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are broken and thinking about those who lost loved ones and lost their lives yesterday,” said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon in a press conference yesterday.

On Saturday, approximately 700 tourists were on Sapelo celebrating Cultural Day, specifically there to celebrate and learn more about the island’s Gullah-Geechee heritage. This is an annual event hosted by the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society. It was when a group of people were leaving the island and boarding the ferry when a section of the gangway collapsed into the water.

“The initial findings of our investigation at this point show a catastrophic failure of the gangway, causing it to collapse,” said Commissioner Rabon.

Approximately 20 people fell into the water at the Marsh Landing Dock.

“Guests were in the process of loading the ferry, the Anne Marie, which was tied up to the dock,” said Rabon. “At this time we can confirm seven deceased individuals and three individuals that remain in the hospital in critical condition. I have been in communication with Gov. Kemp, who is making all needed resources available for this response.”

The Sapelo Island WMA primitive-weapons hunt scheduled for this weekend, Oct. 25-26, 2024, has been canceled as the investigation is ongoing.

The gangway was constructed in November 2021. Georgia DNR can confirm the last inspection of the gangway took place in December 2023. The gangway was inspected on both the top and bottom side, and no areas of concern were present.  

“Could have been upwards of 40 people on the gangway, 20 people that we believe went into the water,” said Rabon. “Understand this investigation is ongoing. Not only did the people from the gangway go in the water, but numerous onlookers went into water… that resulted in saving lives.

“I can assure you the Department of Natural Resources Critical Incident Reconstruction team will be working tirelessly in conjunction with engineers and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to gather and preserve evidence and interview witnesses.”

Georgia House of Representatives member Al Williams (D-168) spoke at Sunday’s press conference.

“I know this about Sapelo and this part of Georgia, these are people of great faith, and through that faith it will bring us through,” said Williams. “Tragedy is never easy. We are a people that believe that God does not make mistakes. And we believe that in spite of how tough it is, there is something good that will come out of this. We come thanking those citizens that jumped right in and saved a lot of people.”

One of the seven who lost their life was Charles Houston, who served as chaplain for DNR, GSP and GBI.

Charles Houston was one of the seven who lost their lives when a gangway at the Sapelo Island dock collapsed on Oct. 19. Houston served as chaplain for DNR, Georgia State Patrol and GBI.

“When your heart is heavy, I do what I was taught by my grandmother, and that is take it to the Lord,” said Williams. “When I was a little  boy, she would take me to church on Sapelo and folks literally would have to row us over there. We have come a long ways. By faith we have made it this far and by faith we will make it on.”

A DNR press release issued this morning, Oct. 21, says regarding the hunt, “We apologize for this cancellation. However, hunters will receive their wagered priority points back, plus 1, when a hunt is cancelled by DNR. If you have questions, please reach out to the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Game Management  Office at 706.557.3350.”

WRD is keeping folks updated on their Sapelo Island Incident webpage.

The open archery dates for Sapelo Island hunting are still open, and hunters who have their own transportation to and from the island can go over as they normally would.

“Georgia DNR does ask that hunters please be sensitive during this time as the entire island community, including our staff, are impacted by this tragedy and the ensuing response efforts. Hunters should use only the Moses Hammock campground dock, should remain on the WMA, and avoid the ferry landing (mainland and island sides) and other island access points,” said Melissa Cummings, WRD’s communications/outreach specialist.