An official website of the State of Georgia.
Background
On Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to a gangway collapse at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island. At least 20 people went into the water when the gangway collapsed. At this time, there are seven confirmed fatalities and an unknown number of injuries. DNR deployed Law Enforcement Division boats equipped with side-scan sonar and a helicopter for search and rescue mission. The gangway has been secured on Sapelo Island and the incident is currently under investigation. DNR will continue to work in 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.
Press Conference 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024
Updates
MERIDIAN, Ga. (4 p.m. Oct. 20, 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 less than a year ago, in December 2023, 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.
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.
Media Contact:
Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov