October 20th 2024.
It was a tragic day on Sapelo Island, as at least seven people lost their lives when part of the ferry dock collapsed. The island, home to a small community of Gullah-Geechee people, was hosting a fall celebration when the accident occurred. Multiple individuals were also taken to hospitals, and various rescue teams were immediately dispatched to search the surrounding waters. Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, confirmed that the dock and ferry boats were operated by the agency.
Jones explained that the gangway at the dock had collapsed, causing people to fall into the water. The search for missing individuals was still ongoing at the time of his statement, and unfortunately, the death toll had reached seven. Helicopters and boats equipped with sonar were deployed to aid in the search, and the cause of the collapse was being investigated. One of the victims was a chaplain for the Department of Natural Resources, adding to the weight of this tragic event.
Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow and condolences for the victims and their families, stating that he and his family were heartbroken by the tragedy on Sapelo Island. He urged all Georgians to join him in praying for those who were lost, those still in harm's way, and their loved ones. Sapelo Island, located about 60 miles south of Savannah, is only accessible by boat from the mainland.
The collapse occurred during Cultural Day, an annual event that celebrates the island's Gullah-Geechee community. This community, known as Hogg Hummock, was founded by former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding after the Civil War. The residents of this small community are extremely close and have a deep connection to their history and struggles. Roger Lotson, the only Black member of the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, shared that the community is like one big family, and they are all feeling the same pain and hurt from this tragedy.
The island's residents are not the only ones affected by this event; it has also shed light on the Gullah-Geechee people and their unique culture. These small communities, scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida, are descendants of enslaved populations and have held onto their African heritage through their dialect, skills, and crafts. In 1996, Hogg Hummock was recognized as a treasured historic site and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Despite this recognition, the population of Hogg Hummock has been declining for years, and some families have been forced to sell their land to outsiders looking to build vacation homes. The community has also been facing challenges from the local government, including tax increases and zoning changes that could lead to larger homes being built on the island. Residents fear that these changes will eventually lead to them having to sell their land, which has been in their families for generations. It is a battle that has been ongoing for the past year, and this tragedy has only added to the struggles of the community.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
