Sapelo Island Gangway Collapse: Black Victims' Families Sue Construction Firms for 'Staggering Negligence' Amidst Profit-Driven Decisions

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, accompanied by relatives of seven victims, held a press conference in Atlanta on Wednesday to unveil their multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the companies responsible for the construction of a fallen gangway at Sapelo Island, Georgia. Last October, the gangway, which connected a floating dock to the ferry, abruptly collapsed during the annual Gullah Geechee celebration, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.The incident particularly affected Regina Brinson, who recounted her harrowing experience trying to assist 93-year-old Carlotta McIntosh and her uncle, 79-year-old Isaiah Thomas. Sadly, both did not survive. Crump emphasized the tragedy’s magnitude, highlighting systemic negligence by the defendants, including Stevens & Wilkinson and Crescent Equipment Co. The lawsuit alleges gross incompetence in the gangway’s design and construction—failures which rendered it incapable of safely supporting expected loads. Plaintiffs demand accountability for the irreparable loss endured and a correction of the ongoing injustices faced by the affected community. The defendants have 30 days to respond to the allegations.