The tragic incident that unfolded on Sapelo Island over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of seven people, has left the community reeling. Those who lost their lives, including a 92-year-old woman, were participating in a celebration of Gullah Geechee culture when disaster struck as they attempted to board a ferry back to the mainland.
According to officials, approximately 40 people were on the dock gangway when it collapsed, sending at least 20 individuals into the water. The coroner’s office has identified the deceased victims: Jacqueline Crews Carter (75), Cynthia Gibbs (74), Charles L. Houston (77), William Johnson Jr. (73), Carlotta McIntosh (92), Isaiah Thomas (79), and Queen Welch (76).
Atiyyah Hassan, the granddaughter of Carlotta McIntosh, spoke with Channel 2 in Atlanta about her grandmother’s remarkable life. “I don’t think the shock has worn off yet,” she said. “But my grandmother was 92 years old. She lived a very full life. I want people to know she was a vibrant, independent woman who lived alone and was passionate about her community. She registered tens of thousands of people to vote.”
Charles L. Houston, also among the victims, had dedicated his life to public service, serving as a chaplain with the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. In a statement, the department honored him, stating, “Dr. Houston served our agency faithfully since 1997, providing unwavering support and guidance, especially during critical times. He was a retired Methodist minister who exhibited compassion wherever he went.” Houston is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children.
The Cultural Day festival on Sapelo Island attracted around 700 attendees, organized by the close-knit community of Hog Hammock. Jazz Watts, a local resident, recounted witnessing the chaos firsthand. “It’s devastating,” he remarked. “Seeing people being carried away in blankets, knowing they didn’t make it.”
Ferry worker Ed Grovner described the moment he realized something was wrong. He explained, “When our ferry pulled up, I saw life jackets being tossed into the water.” Grovner’s crew managed to reach some victims, but tragically, both a man and a woman they found had already died. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” Grovner shared. “I kept yelling in my sleep, saying: ‘I’m going to save you. I’m going to save you.’”
The Gullah Geechee community on Sapelo Island has worked hard to preserve their cultural heritage, which dates back to their ancestors who were enslaved. As a small, predominantly African American community, they have maintained their unique traditions, including their distinct cuisine and traditional basket weaving.
As of Sunday, Georgia’s Department of Public Safety reported that three individuals remained hospitalized due to the collapse. Walter Rabon, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, confirmed that an accident reconstruction team was investigating what led to this “catastrophic failure” at the state-operated dock, which underwent reconstruction in 2021. Rabon emphasized the necessity of minimal maintenance for such structures.
Grovner mentioned he had previously voiced concerns about the gangway’s stability but noted that no action was taken. Rabon stated he was unaware of any prior complaints regarding the dock. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
