US: Georgia ferry dock accident kills 7, several injured

Seven people died and several others were injured after a ferry dock walkway collapsed in the US state of Georgia on Saturday, authorities said.

The accident took place on Sapelo Island, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Savannah, which is only reachable from the mainland by boat.

The collapse caused about 20 people to fall into the Atlantic waters, prompting search and rescue efforts by the US Coast Guard and other agencies.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which operates the dock and ferry service, said in a statement that there were seven reported fatalities. 

"It is a structural failure. There should be very, very little maintenance to an aluminum gangway like that, but we'll see what the investigation unfolds," DNR Commission Walter Rabon told a news conference on Sunday.

The gangway was installed in 2021, authorities said.

Rabon added that three people were still in critical condition in hospital a day later.

Crews from the McIntosh County Fire Department, the DNR and others joined the US Coast Guard in searching the water.

Helicopters and boats equipped with sonar were engaged in the search-and-rescue operations.

Incident occurred during annual festival

The accident occurred on Sapelo Island during a celebration of the island's Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of Black slaves.

People were marking Cultural Day, an annual festival celebrating the island's historic Black community, which has retained much of its African heritage due to its isolation.

Both the president and vice president issued statements about the incident.

US President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was "heartbroken" to learn about the tragedy.

"What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy and devastation," Biden said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, in the state capital Atlanta for campaign events, said in a statement that the Biden administration was in close touch with state and local officials and had offered any federal support needed.

Harris said in the statement that she and her husband were "praying for all those who were killed or injured."

"Even in the face of this heartbreak, we will continue to celebrate and honor the history, culture, and resilience of the Gullah-Geechee community," she added.

mm, ss/rc (AP, AFP, dpa, Reuters)