Seven people were killed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, during a celebration of Gullah Geechee history. The victims were all in their 70s and 90s, with one being a Department of Natural Resources chaplain who tried to help others when the gangway leading to the island’s dock collapsed. About 20 people fell into the water as the gangway gave way. Witnesses and bystanders tried to rescue those in need. The collapse was described as a “catastrophic failure,” and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause. While some survivors remained in critical condition, it appears that everyone involved was accounted for. The Gullah Geechee people have a long history on Sapelo Island and have been battling the local government over attempts to force them off the land with taxes and regulations promoting luxury accommodations. Residents of Hog Hammock, the Black enclave on the island, believe they are being displaced due to new regulations and neglect. Despite a lawsuit against the county over these regulations, a judge blocked an upcoming referendum on the issue. The collapse of the gangway has prompted calls for a federal investigation into the cause, and the survivors and families of the victims are being supported by the Gullah Geechee community in their fight for recognition and preservation.
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