At least 7 people killed after Georgia ferry dock collapse: officials

At slightest 7 radical were killed successful a freak accident Saturday, aft the gangway of a ferry dock successful Georgia collapsed, according to section authorities.

A information of the Marsh Landing Dock connected Sapelo Island collapsed astatine astir 4:30 p.m., sending respective radical into the water, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Georgia DNR). Sapelo Island is simply a obstruction land located successful McIntosh County, and is lone accessible by ferry.

In a property release, the section said that astatine slightest 20 radical fell into the water. The fig of injuries is not presently known.

"There person been 7 fatalities confirmed," Georgia DNR spokesperson Tyler Jones told reporters, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. "There person been aggregate radical transported to country hospitals, and we are continuing to hunt the h2o for individuals."

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At slightest 7 radical were killed successful a ferry dock illness successful Georgia connected Saturday. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

The Georgia DNR reports that aggregate agencies are progressive successful the rescue mission.

"Georgia DNR and aggregate different exigency agencies deployed boats, equipped with side-scan sonar, and helicopters for hunt and rescue missions," the connection added. "The gangway has been secured connected Sapelo Island and the incidental is presently nether investigation."

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The prima sets implicit the marsh lands of Sapelo Island, disconnected the seashore of Georgia. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

"Georgia DNR volition proceed to enactment successful coordination with local, state, and national agencies, including Georgia State Patrol, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, McIntosh County Fire Department, and U.S. Coast Guard, among others. Our thoughts and prayers spell retired to each involved, including the full Sapelo Island Community."

The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office said connected Facebook that it is actively helping those astatine the scene.

The prima rises implicit Sapelo Island, Ga., a Gullah-Geechee community.  (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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"We person acceptable up a household re-unification constituent astatine the Elm Grove Baptist Church," the section said. "We inquire that anyone searching for household members, delight cheque determination first. We besides petition that radical beryllium mindful of exigency vehicles traveling in."

Authorities are actively investigating the incident.