Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

Statement on the Collapse of a Ferry Dock Gangway on Sapelo Island, Georgia

October 19, 2024

We are heartbroken to learn about the ferry dock walkway collapse on Georgia's Sapelo Island. What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history instead turned into tragedy and devastation. Jill and I mourn those who lost their lives, and we pray for the injured and anyone still missing. We are also grateful to the first responders at the scene. My team is in touch with State and local officials, and we stand ready to provide any and all assistance that would be helpful to the community.

NOTE: The statement referred to Jacqueline Crews Carter, Cynthia Gibbs, William Johnson, Jr., Carlotta McIntosh, Isaiah Thomas, Queen Welch, and Charles L. Houston, who died in the collapse.

Categories: Statements by the President : Ferry dock gangway collapse on Sapelo Island, GA.

Names: Biden, Jill T.; Carter, Jacquelin Crews; Gibbs, Cynthia; Houston, Charles L.; Johnson, William, Jr.; McIntosh, Carlotta; Thomas, Isaiah; Welch, Queen.

Subjects: First responders, service and dedication; Georgia, collapse of ferry dock gangway on Sapelo Island.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400931.