Gangway collapses at Georgia island, 7 dead

The video was sent to News 3 from a victim of the gangway collapse who wished not to be identified.

MCINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – On Saturday, October 19, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Georgia DNR), and multiple local, state, and federal agencies, responded to a gangway collapse at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island.

The Georgia DNR says at least 20 people went into the water when the gangway collapsed. At this time, there is believed to be seven fatalities and an unknown number of injuries.

Georgia DNR and multiple other emergency agencies deployed boats, equipped with side-scan sonar, and helicopters for search and rescue missions. The gangway has been secured on Sapelo Island and the incident is currently under investigation.

Georgia DNR says they will continue to work in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, including Georgia State Patrol, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, McIntosh County Fire Department, and U.S. Coast Guard, among others.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp released a statement on X Saturday evening stating, Marty, the girls, and I 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 Georgian’s join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.

U.S. Representative Buddy Carter also issued a statement saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with Sapelo Island today, following the unimaginable tragedy at the ferry dock. Governor Kemp has deployed state resources to aid in search, rescue, and recovery. Thank you to the first responders and everyone who stepped up in the wake of this heartbreaking loss. Let us come together as a community to support one another during this difficult time.”

WSAV News 3 will keep you updated online and on air as we learn more.

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