A tragic incident occurred on Georgia’s Sapelo Island when a ferry boat dock collapsed during a festival, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and leaving eight others hospitalized. Among the victims were a 93-year-old woman and a well-loved Methodist chaplain. Witnesses described seeing bodies floating in the water, with passengers on the ferry diving in to rescue those in distress. The community came together to help those affected by the tragedy with every individual offering assistance in any way possible.
The victims of the ferry dock collapse were all over the age of 70, with the coroner of McIntosh County confirming their identities. The deceased included Carlotta McIntosh, Jacqueline Crews Carter, Cynthia Gibbs, Charles L. Houston, William Johnson Jr., Isaiah Thomas, and Queen Welch. All of the victims were beloved members of their community and their passing has deeply impacted their families and loved ones. The close-knit Gullah-Geechee community of Sapelo Island mourned the loss of individuals who were treasured members of their society.
Sapelo Island, with its rich history as a Gullah-Geechee community, was left in shock and grief following the tragic incident. Descendants of the black slaves who once worked on the island expressed their sorrow at the loss of their loved ones. Atiyya NaDirah, the great-granddaughter of Carlotta McIntosh, paid tribute to her ancestor, highlighting the deep roots her family has on the island. The community came together to support one another in the wake of the tragedy, showing strength and solidarity during this difficult time.
Dr. Charles Houston, a Methodist minister and chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, was one of the victims of the ferry dock collapse. With 40 years of service to his community, he was described as a fine and good man by his loved ones. His wife, Elizabeth Houston, expressed her grief at the loss of her husband, highlighting the pain and shock felt by all those who knew him. The cause of the gangway collapse remains unknown, with officials stating that it was a relatively new structure that should have been able to accommodate the number of people on it.
The investigation into the cause of the tragedy is ongoing, with officials working to determine why the gangway collapsed. Despite being rated to hold the number of individuals who were boarding the ferry, the structure failed, resulting in the devastating loss of life. The community continues to mourn the victims of the ferry dock collapse, with their memories cherished and honored by all those who knew them. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis to offer support and comfort to those who are grieving.
