Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokesman Tyler Jones indicated “there was no collision” with a boat or anything else in the water, but that the gangway “just collapsed.” Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, the McIntosh County Fire Department, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and others were searching the water.

One of the dead was a chaplain for the state Department of Natural Resources, which controls the dock and ferry system bringing people to and from the island. Of the eight injured, six are in critical condition.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) said in a statement that he and his family are “heartbroken” by the gangway collapse on the island.

“Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island. As state and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask that all Georgians join us in praying for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families,” he said.

President Joe Biden also said in a statement that he is “heartbroken” by the incident and that the administration is “ready to provide any and all assistance that would be helpful to the community.”

“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,” he said.

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The gangway collapse occurred as people were celebrating “Cultural Day” on the island, a celebration of the island’s Gullah-Geechee community.

Sapelo Island is located about 60 miles south of Savannah. A press conference on the incident is scheduled for Sunday morning.