Sapelo Island Incident

Sapelo Island Incident Information

Background

5 p.m. Oct. 24, 2024 -- On Saturday, October 19, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island collapsed, with at least 20 people falling into the water.  At this time, we can confirm there were seven fatalities. The victims who tragically lost their lives were Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Cynthia Gibbs, 74, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Charles L. Houston, 77, of Darien, Ga.; William Johnson Jr., 73, of Atlanta; Carlotta McIntosh, 93, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Isaiah Thomas, 79, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Queen Welch, 76, of Atlanta. Numerous people were injured, and we are aware two of the victims remain hospitalized. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Georgia Bureau Investigation (GBI) opened the investigation and the investigation is ongoing. DNR appreciates the coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, including Georgia State Patrol, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, McIntosh County Fire Department, and U.S. Coast Guard among others. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved, including the whole Sapelo Island Community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Added 5 p.m. Oct. 24, 2024

How many people were on the gangway when it collapsed? 

At this time, it is unknown exactly how many people were on the gangway when it collapsed. 

What was the weight limit of the gangway? 

The following information was provided to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from our professional engineering firm, E.M.C. Engineering Services, Inc., for Gangways and Ramps.  

“Gangways and Ramps: Paragraph 2.2, Design Criteria in Specification Section 053300 – Aluminum Marine Structures calls for the 80-foot gangways to be designed for a 100 pound per square foot live load.  The total square footage of the 80-foot gangway is 640 square feet.  Therefore, the gangway was specified to be designed, constructed, and installed to withstand an evenly distributed loading of 64,000 pounds. With these numbers and conditions as a prerequisite, assuming an average weight of individual at 200 pounds, and an even distribution of mass, this would equate to 320 persons.” 

Were any concerns about the gangway previously conveyed to DNR? 

In May 2022, DNR was made aware of a loud noise that had been heard by a group on the gangway. Following these reports, and given the gangway was still under warranty, DNR immediately contacted the general contractor, Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc., who then reached out to their subcontractor, Crescent Manufacturing Co., Inc. The next day, staff from Crescent Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Crescent), came out to inspect the gangway, and stated that there were no concerns for the structural integrity of the gangway. A follow-up inspection was conducted in December 2022, and it was determined there were no structural concerns with the gangway.  

Is an independent investigation being conducted by a third party?

DNR confirm that the Office of the Attorney General has retained Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) to conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the collapse of a gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island. WJE is a firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists specializing in the investigation, testing, and design of repairs for buildings, bridges, and other structures. According to the WJE website, they “…have participated in the engineering or architectural investigation of many of the United States’ most significant major failures and natural disasters and has assisted in many investigations globally.”

Why did DNR previously state an inspection took place in 2023? 

The letter from the second inspection was dated “December 10, 2023,” which is why DNR stated an inspection was done in December 2023. However, we have recently learned this was an inspection from 2022 and the inspection report was inadvertently dated 2023. The letter/report was shared with DNR on January 10, 2023. 

Were the gangways inspected following Hurricanes Helene and Milton?  

In order to resume Sapelo Island ferry operations following wind and water level impacts from hurricanes, docks and gangways undergo a close visual inspection by DNR staff.   Given the impacts associated with Helene, staff inspected the docks and gangways from the top and bottom.  They identified no concerns and ferry operations resumed.   The impacts from Milton were much less severe and staff closely inspected the docks and gangways from the top side before resuming ferry operations.    

Where is the gangway now? 

The gangway was removed on Sunday, October 20, and transported to a secured facility as part of the ongoing investigation. 

When were the docks and gangways constructed? 

The docks and gangways at Marsh Landing on Sapelo Island were constructed in 2021.

What authorities are leading the investigation?  

The Critical Incident Reconstruction Team of DNR’s Law Enforcement Division, a Peace Officer Standards and Training Council-certified agency of the State of Georgia, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation. 

Will DNR be offering support sessions for those involved? 

In the aftermath of the tragedy that occurred on Sapelo Island on October 19, DNR has coordinated Community Support Sessions on Saturday, October 26. All affected by the tragedy are welcome to meet with mental health professionals. Costs associated with these sessions are being covered by the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. Ongoing mental health resources will be provided to those in need. Please note, this is not a media briefing.  

Community Support Sessions – Saturday, October 26, 2024

  • 9 a.m. to noon - Sapelo Island - UGA Marine Institute  
  • 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - McIntosh County (Darien) - Oaks on the River Hotel  
How many visitors were on the island?

There were approximately 700 visitors on Sapelo Island on October 19, 2024.

How many ferry runs were being made on October 19, 2024?

The standard ferry service for Sapelo Island is a single ferry making three (3) trips from Meridian and Marsh landings each day with a reduced two trip schedule on some Sundays (schedule link). DNR was running two ferries to accommodate a minimum of eight (8) trips to support the Cultural Day event. Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society coordinates and oversees the annual Cultural Day event on the island.

How many DNR employees were on the island on October 19, 2024? 

There were approximately 20 DNR employees on Sapelo Island when the incident occurred. An additional 15 Game Wardens from DNR’s Law Enforcement Division responded to the scene. A public affairs officer from DNR’s Coastal Resources Division also responded to the incident command post. 

Who was involved in scene response and search and rescue efforts? 

DNR, U.S. Coast Guard, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol.

What assets were made available for search and rescue efforts?

Boats equipped with side-scan sonar, helicopters for search and rescue mission, and dive teams to search for missing people.

Who owns and operates the ferry, docks, and gangways on Sapelo Island?

The State of Georgia’s DNR owns the docks and gangways on Sapelo Island and operates the two ferries (the Katie Underwood and the Annemarie) that run between Darien and Sapelo Island. The Katie Underwood has a total capacity of 152 (149 passengers and 3 crew members) and the Annemarie has a total capacity of 117 (114 passengers and 3 crew members).

Is Sapelo Island open to visitors and/or the media?

There are no roads going to Sapelo Island. The only way to get to and from Sapelo Island is by boat, whether the ferry operated by DNR or privately-owned boat. Access can be acquired by:

  • Participating in one of the tours offered by the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (“Reserve”) or State of Georgia
  • Arranging a private day trip or overnight stay through one of the Hog Hammock community residents
  • Making reservations for a group to stay at either the Reynold’s Mansion or Cabretta Campground operated by DNR’s State Parks and Historic Sites Division
  • Having work or business to attend to with the Reserve, DNR, the University of Georgia Marine Institute, or a private resident of the Hog Hammock community 

Press Conference 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 

 

Updates

Engineering Firm Retained to Conduct Independent Investigation into Sapelo Island Gangway Collapse

11 a.m. Oct. 25, 2024 -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can confirm that the Office of the Attorney General has retained Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) to conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the collapse of a gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island.

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is a firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists specializing in the investigation, testing, and design of repairs for buildings, bridges, and other structures.

According to the WJE website, they “…have participated in the engineering or architectural investigation of many of the United States’ most significant major failures and natural disasters and has assisted in many investigations globally.” 

DNR places safety signage at Meridian Ferry DockSignage at Meridian Dock.

8 p.m. Oct. 23, 2024 -- Out of an abundance of caution, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today placed new signs at the entrance of the gangway at the mainland Sapelo Island ferry dock in Meridian. The signage limits the number of individuals on the gangway at any given time to eight adults, or four individuals if dock carts or other equipment are being transported on the gangway. Click the photo to the right for a high-resolution image. DNR photo. 

Georgia DNR Announces Community Support Sessions

5 p.m. Oct. 23, 2024 - In the aftermath of the tragedy that occurred on Sapelo Island on October 19, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has coordinated Community Support Sessions on Saturday, October 26. All affected by the tragedy are welcome to meet with mental health professionals. Costs associated with these sessions are being covered by DNR and the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. Ongoing mental health resources will be made available to those in need. Please note, this is not a media briefing.  

Community Support Sessions – Saturday, October 26, 2024

  • 9 a.m. to noon - Sapelo Island - UGA Marine Institute  
  • 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - McIntosh County (Darien) - Oaks on the River Hotel  

Our heartfelt condolences continue to go out to all involved in the Sapelo Island tragedy that occurred on Saturday, October 19. 

Gangway Inspected in December 2023

MERIDIAN, Ga. (Originally posted 4 p.m. Oct. 20, 2024; Corrected 4 p.m. Oct. 28, 2024) -- At 10:15 a.m. today, during the press conference regarding the gangway collapse at Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island, a question was raised about the last time the gangway was inspected. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources can confirm that the gangway was inspected in December 2022, by Crescent Equipment Company. We will continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies on the response and investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. We are keeping all those involved, their families, and the entire Sapelo Island community in our thoughts and prayers.   

A previous statement on this website said the gangway was inspected in December 2023. The letter from the inspection was dated “December 10, 2023,” which is why DNR stated an inspection was done in December 2023. However, we have recently learned this was an inspection from 2022 and the inspection report was inadvertently dated 2023. The letter/report was shared with DNR on January 10, 2023. 

Ferry Operations Resume

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (5:30 p.m. Oct. 20, 2024) -- Sapelo Island Ferry will resume operations on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. Click here for ferry schedule. All visitors must have pre-made reservations for the ferry. 

Sapelo Island Gangway Transported to Secured Facility, Will Undergo Investigation

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (12 p.m. Oct. 21, 2024) -- On the afternoon of Oct. 20, the gangway from the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island was removed and transported to a secured facility. The Critical Incident Reconstruction Team  of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will be conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the catastrophic structural failure of the gangway.

Georgia DNR can confirm the last inspection of the gangway took place in December 2023. The gangway was inspected on both the top and bottom side, and no areas of concern were present.

“Our hearts continue to go out to the victims, their families, and all of those involved in Saturday’s tragic occurrence on Sapelo Island,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of Georgia DNR. “We will allow the investigators to take their time and conduct a thorough investigation.”

Georgia DNR will continue to provide updates as additional information is made available. Please visit this website or sign up using your email address at the top of this page. 

Media Contact:

Trevor Santos
Deputy Commissioner
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
trevor.santos@dnr.ga.gov

State of Georgia General Liability Incident Report Form

Click here for the Georgia General Liability Report Form. If a non-state employee is injured or property of others is damaged (or alleged) as a result of the State’s operations, whether negligent or not, report the claim directly to DOAS / Risk Management Services by calling 404-656-6245 or Email to: risk.management@doas.ga.gov or Fax to 404-657-1188.