Officials confirmed today that the gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island, which collapsed on October 19, killing seven, had been inspected less than a year ago.
What We Know Now:
• The aluminum gangway was inspected in December 2023 by Crescent Equipment Company.
• The collapse, which sent over 20 people into the water, is still under investigation, with structural failure believed to be part of the cause.
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Georgia DNR officials emphasized that the inspection history will be a key part of the investigation as local, state, and federal agencies work to uncover what caused the relatively new structure — installed in 2021 — to fail.
By the Numbers:
• 7 fatalities have been confirmed.
• 3 survivors remain hospitalized in critical condition.
• The gangway, intended to handle high traffic at the ferry dock, collapsed while “upwards of 40 people” were on it, according to authorities.
Next Steps: As the investigation continues, ferry services to Sapelo Island are set to resume on Monday. The Georgia DNR announced this afternoon that all visitors will need to secure reservations in advance to use the ferry.
The Big Picture: The confirmation of a recent inspection only deepens the questions surrounding the gangway’s collapse. The fact that the gangway was evaluated just 10 months ago adds pressure on investigators to determine whether the structural failure was caused by undetected flaws, installation issues, or external factors.
With the ferry service resuming and the island’s operations beginning to stabilize, the focus will remain on ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies.