A tragic incident occurred during the annual Cultural Day festival on Sapelo Island, Georgia, when a dock gangway collapsed, leading to the deaths of seven people and leaving others in critical condition. The collapse occurred while festival goers were preparing to board a ferry, with around 20 people falling into the water and many more struggling to scramble to safety. The event was meant to celebrate the Gullah Geechee history of the island, whose residents are descendants of West Africans brought over during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene with people of all ages falling into the water, some unconscious and in need of CPR. The current swept away those who had fallen, leaving many feeling helpless and devastated. Questions arose about who was responsible for ensuring the safety of the dock, given the social and political issues surrounding the area.
President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the tragic event, offering assistance to the community. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also asked for prayers for those affected by the collapse. Local officials praised the heroic efforts of those who jumped in to save lives and expressed concern for the mental well-being of survivors and witnesses. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, with engineers working to determine what led to the catastrophic failure of the gangway.
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