A tragic incident occurred on Sapelo Island in Georgia when a ferry dock collapsed during the annual Cultural Day celebration, resulting in the death of seven people and injuring several others. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident. Sapelo Island, located south of Savannah, is home to about 70 residents, many of whom are descendants of enslaved people from the plantations on the island.
The Saltwater Geechee community on Sapelo Island is a part of the larger Gullah-Geechee community, direct descendants of West Africans brought over during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. They face challenges such as rising sea levels and development despite being part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor designated by Congress. President Joe Biden and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed sorrow over the incident and offered support.
Residents of the Hog Hammock community on the island, who have a deep connection to their history and heritage, are coming together to support each other during this difficult time. They are described as being united by family, history, and shared struggles. The tragedy has brought the community together in grief and solidarity as they mourn the loss of their loved ones and pray for those still missing or injured.
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