At least seven people were killed in a freak accident when a gangway at a Georgia ferry pier collapsed on Saturday, local authorities said.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Georgia DNR), a portion of the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island collapsed around 4:30 p.m., sending several people into the ocean. Sapelo Island is a barrier island in McIntosh County and is accessible only by ferry.
At least 20 people fell into the water, police said in a press release. The number of injured is unknown at this time.
“Seven people have been confirmed dead,” Georgia DNR spokesman Tyler Jones told reporters. FOX 5 Atlanta. “Multiple people were taken to area hospitals and a search in the water continues.”
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At least seven people were killed when a ferry pier collapsed in Georgia on Saturday. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
The Georgia DNR reports multiple agencies are involved in the rescue effort.
“The Georgia DNR and multiple other emergency agencies dispatched boats and helicopters equipped with side-scan sonar for search and rescue missions,” the statement added. “The gangway on Sapelo Island has been secured and the incident is currently under investigation.”
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The sun sets over the wetlands of Sapelo Island off the coast of Georgia. (Gina Ferrazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“Georgia DNR continues to work in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, McIntosh County Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and others. Thoughts and prayers are with us,” including the entire Sapelo Island community. ”
The McIntosh County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook that it is actively assisting those at the scene.
The sun rises over Sapelo Island, Georgia, a Gullah and Geechee community. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
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“We have set up a family reunion location at Elm Grove Baptist Church,” the department said. “If you are searching for your family, please first check the scene. Also, please be careful of emergency vehicles passing by.”
Authorities are actively investigating this incident.
