The gangway from Sapelo Island’s Marsh Landing Dock has been transported to a secured facility for investigation following a fatal collapse during a local event on October 19.
State agencies, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, are conducting a thorough inquiry into the structural failure. Despite a routine inspection in December 2023 that found no concerns, the collapse resulted in several deaths and injuries, raising questions about the condition of the dock’s infrastructure.
Sapelo Island, home to descendants of the Gullah-Geechee people, relies heavily on the Marsh Landing Dock for transportation between the island and the mainland. The island has faced longstanding infrastructure challenges, making the gangway’s failure particularly devastating for the small community.
The dock serves as a vital link, supporting not only residents but also the roughly 70,000 annual visitors who come to experience the island’s unique cultural and historical heritage.
