An official website of the State of Georgia.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island was struck by the ferry Katie Underwood. A total of forty-one (41) occupants were on board at the time of the incident. No injuries have been reported.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Georgia DNR) has notified the U.S. Coast Guard, who will conduct a full investigation into the incident and inspection of the Katie Underwood. The vessel will remain out of service until all investigations and inspections are complete and it has been deemed safe for operation.
The impacted gangway has been closed as a precaution. Georgia DNR is coordinating an assessment by a third-party independent structural engineer and the manufacturer to evaluate the extent of any potential damage.
To ensure safe and continued access to the island while evaluations are underway, ferry operations will temporarily move to a secondary dock at Marsh Landing. The Annemarie will be serving passengers during this period.
Media inquiries may be directed to Haley Chafin, Manager of External Affairs, at haley.chafin@dnr.ga.gov