Sapelo Island ferry resumes operations after deadly boat dock gangway collapse

A ferry connecting an island off the coast of Georgia resumed operations Monday while the investigation to see what might have caused a deadly dock collapse that killed seven people continues.

A ferry connecting an island off the coast of Georgia resumed operations Monday while the investigation to see what might have caused a deadly dock collapse that killed seven people continues. The victims were among the dozens of people who traveled to Sapelo Island last weekend to celebrate the Gullah-Geechee, a community of descendants of Africans who were enslaved on coastal plantations in the South. As some were ready to board a ferry returning to the mainland, a gangway collapsed on the visitor ferry dock and at least 20 people were plunged into the Duplin River, Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials said. Georgia officials said Monday the damaged gangway was removed and taken to a “secured facility” as part of the investigation. There were “no areas of concern” when the gangway was last inspected in December, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said in a statement. “Our hearts continue to go out to the victims, their families, and all of those involved in Saturday’s tragic occurrence on Sapelo Island,” said Walter Rabon, the department’s commissioner. “We will allow the investigators to take their time and conduct a thorough investigation.” Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the families of three victims, said the deaths and injuries have devastated “families and the entire community.” “We will not rest until we uncover the truth behind this catastrophic failure and hold those responsible accountable,” Crump said in a statement. “This should never have happened, and it is crucial that we prevent future tragedies by addressing the negligence that led to this horrific event.”