Pier Collapse in Georgia Kills Seven

At least seven people have died following the collapse of a ferry dock on Georgia's Sapelo Island during the annual Cultural Day celebration of the Gullah-Geechee community, a group descended from former slaves. The incident occurred when a crowded gangway collapsed, sending approximately 20 people into the water. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, led by the U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies, with multiple injuries reported and several individuals hospitalized. The cause of the collapse, believed to be linked to a ferry hitting the dock, is still under investigation. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences and emphasized the state’s support for the affected community. This tragic event highlights the cultural significance of Sapelo Island and its historic Black community, which has maintained much of its African heritage.