The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said it last inspected the gangway that collapsed at Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island less than a year ago.
The state agency said Crescent Equipment Company performed the December 2023 inspection.
“It is a structural failure,” Newsweek quoted Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon saying at a news conference. “There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we’ll see what the investigation unfolds.”
At about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, DNR officials responded to the gangway collapse. Seven people were killed, and at least 20 people went into the water when the gangway collapsed as crows converged on the island for its annual Cultural Day, a key celebration for the Gullah-Geechee community.
“We will continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies on the response and investigation to determine the cause of the collapse,” the agency said in a statement. “We are keeping all those involved, their families, and the entire Sapelo Island community in our thoughts and prayers.”
Sapelo Island is a state-managed barrier island and the fourth largest in the chain of coastal Georgia islands between the Savannah and St. Marys rivers.
Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island. As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 19, 2024
Officials said the Sapelo Island Ferry will resume operations on Monday, Oct. 21.
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