Seven people are believed dead after a gangway that’s part of a ferry dock collapsed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, on Saturday.
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources said at least 20 people went into the water when the structure gave way before 4:30 p.m., prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard and state and local agencies.
The number of injured and the extent of their injuries was unknown, the agency said.
“Georgia DNR and multiple other emergency agencies deployed boats, equipped with side-scan sonar, and helicopters for search and rescue missions,” it said. “The gangway has been secured on Sapelo Island and the incident is currently under investigation.”
The Coast Guard was still part of an active search for survivors Saturday night, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamie Emery said.
“This is not in a recovery phase at this time,” he said.
Two Coast Guard air crews, including one attached to a MH-65 helicopter, were deployed, he said.
A reunification center set up at Elm Grove Baptist Church in nearby Meridian, the McIntosh County Office of the Sheriff said on Facebook.
The Sepalo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society organized its annual Cultural Day celebration on the island Saturday, calling it “our most celebrated event.” It’s not clear if celebrants were on the gangway.
Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources, said a celebration of Gullah Geechee culture was underway on the island when the collapse took place, the Associated Press reported.
The centuries-old culture has been maintained by descendants of West and Central African slaves along the coast of the Southeastern United States who were able to retain many of their indigenous African traditions.
President Joe Biden said in a statement Saturday night that he would make federal resources available to affected parties, including the Gullah Geechee.
“We are heartbroken to learn about the ferry dock walkway collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island,” Biden said, speaking on behalf of himself and the first lady. “What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy and devastation.”
In a statement, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he, his wife and daughters are “heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island.”
“As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families,” he said.
According to the Department of Natural Resources’ background on the gangway, the associated dock is used by public ferry vessels, the University of Georgia’s research trawler, and some small boats.
Sapelo Island, on the Atlantic Coast, is about 72 miles south of Savannah.
