A catastrophic failure of the ferry dock gangway on Georgia’s Sapelo Island resulted in the tragic deaths of seven people during a cultural celebration honoring Gullah Geechee history. Authorities have confirmed that four of the deceased hailed from Jacksonville. Witnesses described a frantic rescue effort amid the devastation, with six others sustaining critical injuries. The victims have been identified, including a beloved local chaplain and a retired school teacher. The community is in mourning as investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, emphasizing the need for answers in the wake of this disaster.