Georgia authorities investigating 'catastrophic failure' of dock gangway that collapsed, killing 7

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Georgia authorities said Sunday they are investigating the "catastrophic failure" of a dock gangway that collapsed and killed seven people on Sapelo Island.

That is where crowds had gathered for a fall celebration by the island's tiny Gullah-Geechee community of Black slave descendants.

"It is a structural failure. There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we'll see what the investigation unfolds," Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon said at a news conference.

The gangway was installed in 2021, authorities said.

RELATED | At least 7 dead after ferry dock gangway collapses on Georgia's Sapelo Island

Seven people were killed in the collapse Saturday, and Rabon said three remained hospitalized in critical condition Sunday.

Rabon said "upwards of 40 people" were on the gangway when it collapsed, and at least 20 fell into the water. Rabon said none of the people killed were residents of the island.

The ferry dock was rebuilt after Georgia officials in October 2020 settled a federal lawsuit by Hogg Hummock residents who complained the state-operated ferry boats and docks they rely upon to travel between Sapelo Island the mainland failed to meet federal accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

The state agreed to demolish and replace outdated docks while upgrading ferry boats to accommodate people in wheelchairs and those with impaired hearing. The state also paid a cash settlement of $750,000.

President Biden spoke to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and McIntosh County Chair Kate Pontello Karwacki on Saturday night.

"The President expressed his deepest sympathies and made clear that his team stands ready to provide any and all assistance that would be helpful to the community," the White House added.