Jacqueline Crews Carter, Carlotta McIntosh Obituary, Death – The seven individuals who tragically lost their lives in the gangway collapse at Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island during Cultural Day have been officially identified. The incident occurred on Saturday, resulting in twenty people falling into the water after the aluminum gangway gave way, as confirmed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The deceased were identified by McIntosh County Coroner Melvin Amerson, and the victims are as follows:
– Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, from Jacksonville
– Cynthia Gibbs, 74, from Jacksonville
– Carlotta McIntosh, 93, from Jacksonville
– Isaiah Thomas, 79, from Jacksonville
– William Johnson, Jr., 73, from Atlanta
– Queen Welch, 76, from Atlanta
– Charles Houston, 77, from Darien, who served as a chaplain for the DNR, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Georgia State Patrol.
Commissioner Walter Rabon reported that three other individuals were hospitalized in critical condition following the incident. He emphasized that all the deceased were visitors to the island, not local residents. In a statement released on Monday, Rabon expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts continue to go out to the victims, their families, and all of those involved in Saturday’s tragic occurrence on Sapelo Island.” He also noted that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The collapse occurred around 4:30 p.m. at the gangway connecting the dock to the ferry. At the time, over 700 people had gathered for Cultural Day, a celebration organized by the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society. Rabon stated that preliminary investigations indicated the gangway failure was structural, suggesting that maintenance should have been minimal.
Details about the collapse reveal that while one side of the gangway was secured to the land, the other side remained submerged in the water. The specific cause of the structural failure is still under investigation. Following the incident, the DNR announced that the collapsed gangway had been removed and transported to a secure facility for analysis by the DNR’s Critical Incident Reconstruction Team and the GBI.
Rabon noted that the gangway was completed in November 2021 and highlighted that the last inspection occurred in December 2023, covering both the top and bottom of the structure. The DNR’s report indicated that no areas of concern were identified during the inspection.
Sapelo Island is notable for being home to the last Geechee-Gullah community, Hogg Hummock, comprised of descendants of enslaved individuals who were brought to the island in 1802. This cultural significance adds a layer of impact to the tragic event, resonating deeply within the community.
In light of the collapse, the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast expressed their condolences on social media, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sapelo Island community as we support our partners in the gangway collapse.” Meanwhile, ferry operations to and from Sapelo Island were set to resume on Monday, indicating a desire to return to normalcy amid the tragedy.
The DNR has established a fact sheet to provide the public with information regarding the incident and the ongoing investigation. This document aims to keep the community informed while authorities work to uncover the details surrounding the collapse and ensure the safety of future visitors to the island.
As the investigation continues, officials are likely to examine all aspects of the gangway’s design, construction, and maintenance history to identify any potential factors that may have contributed to the structural failure. The findings from this investigation could lead to improvements in safety standards and practices for similar structures, ultimately aiming to prevent future tragedies.
The loss of these seven individuals has left a profound impact on their families, friends, and the wider community. In times of tragedy, communities often come together to support one another, sharing grief and memories of those who were lost. It is essential for community members to find ways to honor the lives of the deceased while also advocating for safety and awareness in the wake of such an unfortunate event.
In conclusion, the tragic gangway collapse on Sapelo Island that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals has raised significant concerns about safety and structural integrity. As the investigation unfolds, there is hope that it will lead to greater awareness and improvements in safety practices, ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The memories of those lost will serve as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for vigilance in protecting the well-being of all visitors to Sapelo Island.