Incident Overview
A metal gangway collapse at 's ferry dock during a Cultural Day event led to the deaths of seven visitors, with none being island residents. The incident occurred as crowds gathered for the annual fall celebration.
The gangway, installed in 2021, failed under the weight of "upwards of 40 people" attempting to board the ferry, resulting in at least 20 individuals falling into the water.
Response and Investigation
Immediate rescue efforts were aided by bystanders, the , and local emergency services, with civilians praised for their quick actions that potentially saved additional lives.
Georgia authorities, alongside the , are probing the "catastrophic failure" of the dock, emphasizing the structural integrity of the aluminum gangway.