Sapelo Gangway Damage

[@billalexander3425]

Thank you for going the extra step to give us this information

[@MinorcanMullet]

Glad to provide more information.

[@GodBlessedAmerica]

@@MinorcanMulletOur thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. 🙏🏼

[@jiminsav]

My only concern is that 70 people were standing on that ramp when at a maximum, it is not designed for that load. I'm not saying that it's the people's fault, i'm saying the dockmaster should have not allowed that many people on the ramp.

[@patmcbride9853]

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - Agent K "Men in Black"

[@lrrp25]

Is there a dockmaster?

[@dewaynegrant2359]

Did the engineer who installed the ramp inform the “dock master” (there is no dock master) about the maximum weight capacity for the ramp? Perhaps if the county commissioners and State of Georgia did not ignore concerns from the residents and the owner of the ferry of the conditions of the dock and other concerns, those people will still be here.

[@patmcbride9853]

@@dewaynegrant2359 There are almost certainly engineering drawings stating maximum loads and the paperwork for the ramp is likely to have pages of warnings. And there are probably stickers on the ramp with the information.

[@dorisandpatrickleary8297]

@@dewaynegrant2359 Engineers would not have "installed" the ramp. Engineers would have been hired and paid to design the gangway to meet the specs. of DNR. I.E. Length + width + structural integrity to support X number of passengers. WHERE ARE THOSE SPECS? Who was aware of the specs and who was responsilbe for complying with them? Those are the questions demaning answers. It may very well prove that the annual fesitval attracted too many visitors (700) that exceeded the capacity of the gangway. In such a case GA DNR would be responsible for foreseeing and forestalling such circumstances.

[@DeboraHood]

Thank you, Captain Andy, for asking the important questions, for noticing and calling out the actions that need to be addressed. You are right to stand up , and to get underneath the rhetoric to find the facts.

[@davidmiller6010]

The 'kink' shows a physical failure. Going up the line, could have been workmanship like a missed or weak weld. Next, defect in materials such as impurities, improper heat treatment. Next, engineering. Was likely designed for an expected load + some factor. I suspect the design load was for an average day, but could not have taken into account a special event with FAR more people than anyone could have anticipated. Tragic that anyone died, let alone several. Thank you Andy for the heartfelt coverage. Your compassion shows.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Thanks! I appreciate the technical analysis.

[@NathanJBowen]

Point of information/clarification: i suggest that the detachment on the stationary side occurred due to tide going out and pulling the ramp after it had fallen into the water. There are images of the hinge intact after the ramp was in the water. The failures appear to be in the middle and the floating dock side.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Agreed

[@royreynolds108]

After viewing several videos, the gangway was installed in 2021. It looks to have buckled in about the middle. There were reported 40 people on the gangway which would have been about 8000 lbs. The buckling would likely have torn the gangway from the hinge and bent the pin.

[@MinorcanMullet]

keep in mind the opposite end of the gangway is free floating on a floating dock. It has to be able to move with the tide.

[@royreynolds108]

@@MinorcanMullet That part I know. The hinge is to enable the gangway to pivot about the horizontal pin to accommodate the tide changes. I was talking about how the gangway was directed sideways by the buckling to tear the gangway sideways from the dock. That was a twisting motion looking down on the gangway. There were horizontal as well as vertical forces at play during the collapse. The length of the gangway made for a huge moment arm during the twist.

[@MinorcanMullet]

@@royreynolds108 that damage was done by the tidal current after the collapse. Photos immediately after the collapse show the ramp intact without being bent

[@Hokieredneck]

humans don't understand how much many of them weigh standing close to each other. seen it so many times with wedding photos on docks where 20-30 people that are on average 200 lb each standing near each other. docks weren't meant to carry 3 ton in one spot

[@ursulajacksonrealtor]

Thank you for sharing your insights Captain Andy. I ask everyone to please continue to pray for the families of everyone involved in this tragic accident. My beautiful community is in mourning, but we will get through this together.

[@seanmurphy2302]

Thank you, Cap'n. As usual, chock full of information. This is how we take preventative measures. By being informed.

[@wgowshipping]

Big shout out to Capt Andy in tomorrow's What The Ship for his work on the Sapelo Boat Ramp.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Thanks Doc! Emotional story to cover

[@my09ultra]

Great coverage Captain Andy!

[@MinorcanMullet]

Thanks!

[@trevorwhalley7466]

I bet that there was a weight limit imposed by the makers( number of persons on gangway), and this was exceeded by a good number, this has occurred numerous times yet we dont learn

[@kylesmith8769]

When I heard the count of people on the gangway, I was concerned without seeing the pier. That much weight is excessive, especially if it was centered would be too much. So sad care isn’t taken to limit the load.

[@timmitchell8784]

Thank you Andy. Huge red flag. And that atrocious not allowing that family member to see the place where a loved one lost their life. 😢 all so sad 🙏🙏

[@JohnShinn1960]

There ya go, the thumbnail says all for me. It belive it was overloaded, not a defect or poor maintenance, though it could've been of more beefier design for that length. Thanks Captain Andy. Stayin tuned! 👍🤠

[@MinorcanMullet]

That was the first thing I thought when I saw it. I believe the structure would support the weight, Just not all the weight concentrated on one end as probably occured as people were in a cue waiting to board the ferry

[@MrBen527]

I agree. That's a long span to hold, who knows how many persons at this point.

[@CatmintJelly]

I'm thankful that you were able to document and inform us. Cannot understate how important it is for the survivors and family members that the residents were able to get pictures; nothing good or well-intentioned can come from the department keeping evidence of failure. That should have been handed over to the police for investigation purposes.

[@josephalaindaigle3194]

Same thing happened to me. My Grandfather passed away when I was on a military mechanic course twelve hours away.I reserved a flight but needed permission from the Colonel. He was a British exchange officer and was too lazy to read the request on a Friday afternoon. My Dad sent me a Polaroid picture of the funeral by mail.Shameful😢

[@Osmiculture]

For a matter of public record, thank you for adding to the available evidence in a sober manner. I am not of this community (living thousands of miles away), but what you are doing will be useful to local community members and will sharpen the follow up and focus on responsibilities, as well as measures to prevent similar and probably avoidable tragedies.

[@SteamCrane]

You are not out of line on this, there's something fishy. I mentioned yesterday that 20 people could be 4000 lbs = 2 tons. That aluminum gangway looks awful slender for that much weight over that length of span. The railings "resemble" a truss, but it is evident that they failed in compression. This could result in many gangways of this type needing to be replaced with much stronger ones, plus lawsuits. I would expect an investigation of the design calculations and assumptions, and whether the manufacturer or state made the decision that the design was adequate. Very reminiscent of the badly designed Florida International University bridge that collapsed in 2018.

[@MinorcanMullet]

You're making a lot of good points!

[@40kMuses]

Hi there, just subscribed.I’m enjoying your calming voice. I really appreciate your commentary on this tragedy

[@craigroberson8757]

Capt. Andy I appreciate your questions. I ask them as well. I am as far from an expert, but my thirst for learning never seems to be extinguished. The knowledge we can gain from the Dali crucial. For the time being there appears to be a sharp increase in when the pilots get on board as well as a much larger use of a tugboat's. Thank you again.

[@beth952]

The manufacturer of the ramp and the installer are probably gonna be held responsible as well. We have the same ramp from same company but much smaller, like you said, many locals do. Questions are absolutely necessary. Bless all of the victims of this tragedy.

[@MinorcanMullet]

I hope some questions about lack of maintenance on reported cracks is addressed

[@williamlloyd3769]

Just looking at a ramp manufacturing company web site, buyers can specify all manner of configurations. Issue could have been design, manufacture, maintenance, usage, etc.

[@angelaself]

Thanks so much for sharing. Peace to you all🕊💜

[@FranktheDachshund]

40 people could easily weigh 4 tons. That bridge could not hold 4 tons even spread out.

[@KB-gs8zi]

Hey Captain !!! Might be WRONG ,but in TOTAL AGREEMENT with your comments !!! 1st off is the construction of the rampway itself as normally NOT that many persons would be on the ramp at 1 time, but they should have made it much stronger for where it was placed !!! NOT a whole fan of aluminum construction as the under rails should have been 3in or 4in steel I beams for the distance & weight of the people on it !! Then they could have covered it with aluminum for the walkway !! Know saltwater takes it toll on steel ,but with the coatings made today ,it would not be a problem with erosion !! Also the floating dock itself wasn't equipped to handle the 9.1 drop in the tide either as shown by the end of the ramp off in the water !! Rightfully ,,There will be LAW SUITS coming !!! Thanks again for your time to bring these updates & video to the Viewers !! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@geraldineaherne9763]

Thanks for your dedication Andy.

[@MinorcanMullet]

My pleasure!

[@leepatton1180]

I remember going on the gang way to the battleship North Carolina that thing was scary this should be a wake up call for all states to inspect their equipment and post capacity limits

[@mellissadalby1402]

Looking at the deformity of the ramp, it seems that the max load was exceeded. How many people were on it and how much was the total weight of those people I wonder?

[@Kiwi_Col]

I would guess it has been overloaded on many occasions, and finally gave up. I hope that they will have labels in future like lifts do, where they give a max person 'on board' quantity. Volume is somewhere in the middle today. Thank you!

[@TomSeibold]

Agreed. Even a normal crowd might gather on the gangway during boarding and crowd it to capacity. At the press conference, didn't a resident claim he reported damage to the gangway weeks ago?

[@joannamundwiller936]

Thank you for the update. So sad.

[@chrisozell584]

Thanks again, great coverage.

[@tanyawins]

Thank you for making these videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️ audio was low at the end of the other video, but I blasted it up on my TV and heard you just fine! ❤️ Thank you!

[@MinorcanMullet]

You're welcome!

[@davidr3431]

Thanks again Capt. for all you do. I too find it odd GaDNR would be allowed to possess the evidence that likely will be the subject of several lawsuits. How they removed the gang walk could have damaged it further making stress analysis of the structure harder if not impossible. As far as the family member not being allowed to go over, I’d need more info on what’s required to travel over to the island; was a reservation required, did he have/need proper identification, was there someone on-sight or available by phone who could have overridden protocols to allow him to go over? Just a few questions I could come up with.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Apparently the state ferry employees were instructed to not allow boarding of passengers that were not residents of the island or had previous reservations or registered. But wow! This person had just lost a family member in an accident and was denied access.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Apparently the state ferry employees were instructed to not allow boarding of passengers that were not residents of the island or had previous reservations or registered. But wow! This person had just lost a family member in an accident and was denied access.

[@rodeverson1459]

Thanks Captain for sharing this great info. I can say personally that the policy of just not letting strangers onto the Island without reservations has been in place for years and is a much needed policy. Visitors need to be escorted. Officials need to make sure that there's no room for malicious intent. This family member should have been given an escorted if one was available. You're right, A dock master or someone should have monitored the amount of weight/ people on the ramp. This same thing happened when I was a kid. The ramp was wooden then but they monitored the weight after that happened but they evidently stop monitoring.

[@michaelmann3468]

Common sense is not so common anymore. Sad turn of events.

[@kellythompson4663]

Thanks for updating us, you say safe too

[@tomricharme3761]

I always look forward to your episodes.

[@GodBlessedAmerica]

There’s no way that gangway could support the weight of a an average size vehicle. 40 + people with an average weight of 150 lbs, is approximately 3 tons. The longer the gangway, the less weight it’ll hold.

[@MinorcanMullet]

If the weight was spread out over the entire length - possibly. Weight concentrated on one end or side......

[@kcook4243]

Good to see your channel pop up on my YT after your great job on Baltimore bridge. Thank you again for your coverage

[@MinorcanMullet]

Baltimore, Maryland, Sapelo Island, Georgia - all have stories to tell!

[@danlowe8684]

Great photos and coverage!!

[@MinorcanMullet]

Appreciate it!

[@macpduff2119]

So it buckled in the middle. Clearly 40 people on the gangway at one time was too many. Too much weight

[@jcook2433]

Anyone who grew up around floating docks and ramps knew that this was very strange. Hopefully the number of photos out there will keep things transparent if there was any thought of anything else. That red flag was already flying for me.😢

[@AlfredMontaner]

Very informative content Andy !

[@MinorcanMullet]

Thanks King!

[@oystertoad2909]

😮🫵

[@charlestoast4051]

That's way too big of a span for a gangway like that. It looks like they just lengthened a regular gangway without increasing the section sizes.

[@JelMain]

What gives is you have two second-order levers with a fulcrum at either end, a force where they meet in the middle, and loads in between. The double the length, double the force, and then double the load...one top rail buckles, the weight transfers to the other, ditto. We have a similar tide on the Thames, with pontoons, and the walkways, of a similar length, are steel.

[@dewaynegrant2359]

Facts

[@topcatandgang]

in other news the Dali for some reason has changed course and are heading southeast towards Australia. at 129 degrees and 10 knots

[@leon-lh7zw]

you are doing a great Job...

[@MinorcanMullet]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@terrysandiego]

Were weight limitations posted?

[@MinorcanMullet]

I didn't see any at the Mainland side of the Sapelo Island Ferry Route

[@dewaynegrant2359]

No

[@kenthobbs9920]

Why isn't National Transportation Safety investigation looking into this?

[@doylehenderson319]

Thanks for the continuing updates Capt Andy!!! I did a real rough estimate on the load... IF there was 40 people on that gangway with a average weight of 175 lbs. that 7000 lbs. or 3.5 tons of weight, I'm sure that the company would have placed a plate on the ramp with max. load with at least a safety factor of 3:1 or more. I also agree with you that another group should be in charge of holding that gangway for inspection/evidence. Maybe the Coast Guard.

[@ShakesSphere]

Agree, Captain. Why would anyone need special papers to go to the island where they lost a family member... 😢 insult to injury the poor gentleman...

[@BobDobbs681]

I wonder what the design specifications are for these gangways and if they include being fully loaded with people. If they aren't intended for that load I'd think there should be prominent capacity warnings.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Was the gangway engineered/designed by the State of Georgia? Was it used accordingly by the State of Georgia within the manufacture's construction limitations? Many questions will be asked, and answers expected.

[@sammcgee3141]

Thanks!

[@MinorcanMullet]

You're welcome!

[@SharonKitchen-eu7bb]

You are correct...d.n.r. should not investigate itself...custody...a big issue...loose chain of custody...court ,you bet...Mr. Grovner and Hall are adimitt about this.

[@marmalade0223]

thank you for the update. that's pretty wild that it collapsed in the middle. I've been moving brows around most of my life, crane work. started in charleston putting the brows up or down for the subs. this is crazy. as for what we think about who has the brow now? well, law enforcement has been doing it for centuries. they investigate, they collect and analyze evidence, they tell us what the analysis is..... why is this any different? I get what your saying, but we've been allowing local and state governments to control when, what, where ... like I said, for centuries. but I agree with you. from personal experience, the coasties aren't much better. I love them dearly, I'm retired navy, but the brass will control what the media gets in a minute.

[@ronwebb2755]

Thank you Capt. Andy, interesting chain of custody going on

[@JelMain]

It looks pretty, doesn't it? But look at those webs. Only those running from the shore-side bottom towards the pontoon-side top are structural, the ones running the other way are welded to them, so can act as levers against the structural members if things start to buckle. And to call 3" aluminium tube a top girder stretches the word beyond credibility.

[@tommymiller9228]

Gangway is not designed to hold rhat much weigh at one time....should have never been more than 10 people with space in between them crossing ...especially it being connected to a floating dock...any signs posted...or chaperone ???

[@MinorcanMullet]

None were posted on the Mainland side of the Sapelo Ferry. I looked

[@atinwoodsman]

Seems to me, structural failure caused it to slip off the dock and into the water. I do not believe the state should be investigating itself here.

[@topcatandgang]

aluminum has different forms of hardness and strength, i have worked with many types in the process of building machines for the last 40 years and looking at the span you show, it didn't look like the main brace span was large enough to match the length that it was made at. it is hollow box channel.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Many questions need to be addressed

[@paradiselost1914]

Is that ferry the only way across the lake? Seems like there would be someone with a boat in the water that would have taken this family member across.

[@royreynolds108]

That is not a lake, it is water that separates the mainland from an island and no bridge is available.

[@paradiselost1914]

@@royreynolds108 I stand corrected. But I would think there would be a local boater around that would have been nice enough to take this family member across. People are usually kind that way. That was my only point. As a boater, I've often helped people when needed and believe in this situation just about anyone would have helped them get across.

[@ursulajacksonrealtor]

I’m a lifelong resident of McIntosh County. To answer your question, YES, however, a few residents of the island have their own personal boats as well as locals on the mainland.

[@SharonKitchen-eu7bb]

Thank u for checking this out..

[@MinorcanMullet]

You're welcome!

[@TomSeibold]

The shore side attachment of the gangway was shown undamaged after the incident. Likely the tide tore the fittings while the ramp was partly submerged.

[@WmRob]

Too much weight on the dock?

[@patriciapierce1744]

Volume great today. Thanks.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Good to hear! I mean that!

[@gregknipe8772]

the strength of this ramp is clearly known to its designers. it was obviously over loaded with oversized folks. move on.

[@MinorcanMullet]

A good bit more going on here than too much weight on a gangway.

[@jameshatcher9158]

How do I send you information to correct some concerns here?

[@MinorcanMullet]

[e-mail]

[@scruffy4647]

As an outsider, I have many questions. How many people were on the gangway when it collasped. It was my understanding that there was a reunion happening. Since Supelo is an island, does the ferry run daily and how much traffic is usually on the gangway? How deep is the water there? Did the gangway go sideways when it collasped trapping people underneath it? Were the people carrying their luggage or extra weight since they were visiting? Is this the only gangway being used? Not trying to take away from the tragedy, just lots of questions.

[@maxmacdonald7174]

I would wait for the engineers go over and read their report.

[@MinorcanMullet]

The State of Georgia's picked Engineers? I hope an outside agency takes lead

[@soniawright9047]

So sad been there once from Jacksonville fl

[@railroad9000]

EVERY government agency is the same! "We investigated ourselves and found we did nothing wrong!"

[@IowaGrandpaTrain]

Right now everybody is in CYA mode. Once the engineers get a look at things, the root cause will be revealed and there is no point in speculating.

[@BigAlWillis]

Too much weight & age. Imagine that gangway not only supporting thousands of pounds, but all that weight is constantly bouncing/moving up & down because of course it's attached to a floating dock. You have a situation where it's being stressed & worked daily. It was weak from age, weather & too much weight. Some reports say 40 people were on it at the time of the accident. If that's correct you're talking over 8000 lbs.

[@dewaynegrant2359]

The State of Georgia failed these people miserably and should suffer financially! Concerns were brought to their attention about the condition of the dock and they did absolutely nothing! They would have rather bid the work out to a local ramp manufacturing company without holding them accountable for routine maintenance and inspections after the owner of the ferry notified the state on several occasions about the issues with the dock as a whole. Prayers to the families of those who lost their lives.

[@timothyparker8524]

Shady goings by state of Georgia

[@gcflower99]

Georgia DNR: "We have investigated the incident and inspected the gangway and we find that we were not at fault or responsible in any way".

[@wlg2367]

Thank you for your information. My cousin is the wife of Chaplain Charles L Houston. I am 72 and I knew Charles since I was 12. Is hard for me to accept the fact that he is gone. I hope proper channels will be taken so a proper investigation can take place. Charles was present with his daughter and since he works for DNR I am not sure if he was there as part of his duties or if he was there in an unofficial capacity. I talked a moment with Charle's daughter on the phone on Sunday. We did not talk of the accident I just expressed my condolences so I don't know if she had fallen into the water or not.

[@MinorcanMullet]

From all I've heard about Charles Houston, he was well respected and will be missed by so many. He impacted many lives in a positive way.

[@robnamowicz8073]

The most expensive maintenance is deferred maintenance. The 'state' throughout recorded history has been a poor custodian of public assets. If true that the crack in the hinge had been noted and reported, but not corrected, is not the fault of the ramp manufacturer but the fault of those operators tasked with safety at the site. Lack of adequate maintenance and supervision of operation has caused this tragedy. That the 'state' does not recognize the rights of those deceased kin is not surprising, just sad, pathetic.

[@joecody195]

Good job Andy keep after the truth

[@CrackerFL]

Whats Going on with Shipping sent me here. So sad about neglect of Aluminum dock. Aluminum is a soft metal, that can tear/fail under stress. 😢

[@GodBlessedAmerica]

Question everything.

[@edshelden7590]

Captain ANDY this is well done, and will reported story by you. Like you say you’re doing the best you can. I would fully expect that the political side of the state of Georgia is doing as much protecting of their asses that they can. What I am really surprised is it the NTSB has not arrived on the scene yet have they ? From the few pictures that I have seen, my first thought was, and still is that the gangway was just simply overloaded A bunch humans weights a lot more than one might think. Humans are not a static load, they are a dynamic load.

[@terrysandiego]

Dear Andy: You are not wrong. Good on you to believe what you see and say something.

[@MinorcanMullet]

Appreciate you!

[@tombeck2792]

It's a walkway, not a bridge. Ambulance chaser Ben Crump will be speaking soon 😁

[@robertmontgomery74]

I wonder was the weight of the wheelchairs and walkers was taken into account when allowing a large number of people to cross gangway?

[@MinorcanMullet]

Check out the video for today

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

It does look like a very flimsy structure in a fairly weak material for such a long span. It will have been assessed designed and built with some assumptions and specifications about anticipated loads. Clearly it was then worked extremely hard during the event during various states of the tide, with a lot more people than anticipated either standing on or walking slowly across it. It failed at a stress point for a simple box girder bridge, whereas an arch or localised reinforcement would seem to have been needed. And under the difficult circumstances you can’t really blame the State authorities for sticking to the rules regarding access to the island to accommodate a “Tragedy Tourist”, no matter how worthy a particular visitor might seem to be…. they allowed and encouraged a large number of outsiders for the event and look what happened….

[@MinorcanMullet]

I think you bring up some valid points here for discussion by investigators. I will say that the ferry has made exceptions for a press coverage trip and a political group. I can't understand for the life of me how special consideration couldn't be made for others on a case by case policy during such an event

[@davidgourdine6153]

The bottom beam of weld needs to be examine again the most High God is not going to play about my Brother or me God dont have mercy on the person that is responsible 🌫️🛸🎆🤥🌌⚡😱🫨😵💫🫵✨🤲⚡🪺🪶🐾🥓🚀🥏♟️📸🎟️🎭🛒📇

[@stephtraveler7378]

sorry, have to ask the obvious: They were 40 feet from shore. Why didn't they swim to shore? Even in currents, the diagonal distance is less than most commercial pools. Did we have people that can't swim participating in a water activity? Is personal responsibility not a factor here?

[@MinorcanMullet]

The gangway was 68-70' add the distance of the fixed dock- say another 50' elderly and fully clothed dropped into a 4.5kt. current that is boiling around pilings. Mark Spitz would have had difficulty. And they were on the Island for a cultural heritage festival. Did you think they were out waterskiing?

[@scott8689]

Georgia DNR! Government! sorry this is so sad and preventable. The world of looking past your A&* and paying attention is gone. To be clear not the individuals but they system that should be paying attention!

[@JoeLinux2000]

I know you don't like political discussions, but computerized mail-in voting is less secure than these gangways.

[@JohnShinn1960]

I'll be casting my ballot at the polling place November 5th. 👍🤠 🇺🇸

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Red Flag. Yes. Red Flags .Plural

[@jss27560]

Does the site belong to Georgia DNR or some other organization? If they are the only agency that would regulate it and not maintain it, I don't see too much of a red flag. If their only responsibility is to regulate it or inspect it, that might be a different situation.

[@MinorcanMullet]

State owned and operated, managed by Georgia DNR

[@jss27560]

@@MinorcanMullet okay

[@debrahasan1611]

Why weren't the passengers wearing life preservers?

[@FranktheDachshund]

They had left the boat.

[@royreynolds108]

Boats of a certain size and over do not require passengers to wear floatation devices, only have them available. I think this figure is 40 feet but not sure. I used to be a Relief Engineer on a 50-foot steamboat.

[@gregjohnson7210]

i smell a coverup coming

[@dorisandpatrickleary8297]

Your video image of the hing-end or upper terminus of the gangway is very misleading and taken long after the gangway failed, dropped into the water and was swept back and forth in the current following the failure. There are other videos of the same hing-end taken shortly after the failure that show that section intact with no damage. The gangway DID NOT FAIL at the hing-end or upper terminus PERIOD! An investigation will disclose that the failure was associated with design flaws and/or load issues. Either the gangway was underbuilt or too heavy a load was placed on it. The mystery is how or why the failure occured on a lower tide when there was slope vs. a higher tide when the level gangway would have been stressed more from a load? We may never know if the gangway cracked earlier in the day and ultimately failed when more weight was applied upon the PM departure from the island. There have been some references re signage on or near the gangway, but it's not clear what any such signage might warn or caution against? Was there a dock master and how did they manage the crowds arriving or departing the docks?

[@grouseroadie]

Thanks!

[@MinorcanMullet]

Thank you!!

[@dewaynegrant2359]

The State of Georgia failed these people miserably and should suffer financially! Concerns were brought to their attention about the condition of the dock and they did absolutely nothing! They would have rather bid the work out to a local ramp manufacturing company without holding them accountable for routine maintenance and inspections after the owner of the ferry notified the state on several occasions about the issues with the dock as a whole. Prayers to the families of those who lost their lives.

[@NathanJBowen]

Thanks!