Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump called for a federal investigation into the tragic dock gangway collapse that killed seven people during an annual cultural festival on Georgia’s Sapelo Island. The incident occurred during the island’s Cultural Day celebration, which marked the Gullah Geechee history of the region. Crump, representing the victims’ families, emphasized that the deaths were preventable and unjustified. The dock collapse took place as visitors were boarding a ferry to the mainland, with about 20 people falling into the water.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating the cause of the collapse, described as a “catastrophic failure” of the aluminum gangway. Witnesses shared harrowing accounts of the chaotic scene, with search-and-rescue operations being conducted by Coast Guard helicopters and boats.
The victims of the tragic accident were all seniors and not residents of the island, with family members recalling emotional memories of their loved ones. Survivors described the terrifying experience of being on the toppled gangway and being swept away by strong currents. Crump stressed the need for accountability and justice, asserting that the victims did not die of natural causes but of negligence. The families of the victims are seeking answers and demanding a thorough investigation into the collapse to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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