Local News
7 dead, 6 injured after Sapelo Island Ferry dock gangway collapsed
Multiple people were transported to area hospitals, and rescue crews continued to search the water for survivors.
Sapelo Island, GA – A devastating incident occurred on Saturday at a ferry dock on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least seven people.
The collapse of a gangway at the dock sent people plunging into the water, prompting a massive search and rescue operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the McIntosh County Fire Department, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies.
Multiple people were transported to area hospitals, and rescue crews continued to search the water for survivors.
Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, confirmed seven fatalities and stated that the search for additional victims was ongoing.
The cause of the gangway collapse remains under investigation, but officials believe at least 20 people were on the dock at the time of the incident.
The gangway connected an outer dock to the onshore dock, facilitating access to the ferry.
Among the victims of the tragedy was a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Sapelo Island, located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah, is a small island community accessible only by boat.
The island’s annual Cultural Day celebration highlights the Gullah-Geechee community of Hogg Hummock, a settlement founded by former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding.
Gullah-Geechee communities, descended from enslaved island populations, are scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida. These communities have preserved much of their African heritage, including their unique dialect, fishing skills, and basket weaving traditions.
Local News
UW-Eau Claire Professor José Alvergue Accused of Flipping College Republicans’ Table During Election Day Event
EAU CLAIRE, WI – A University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) professor is under scrutiny after allegedly overturning a table set up by the UWEC College Republicans during an Election Day event on campus.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. near the university’s polling location, where the student organization had set up an informational table.
According to Tatiana Bobrowicz, Chair of the UWEC College Republicans, José Felipe Alvergue, Chair of the English Department, approached the group, claimed they were too close to the polling station, stated, “The time is over,” and proceeded to flip the table.
Bobrowicz described the event as a “violent attack” and deemed the behavior unacceptable.
The incident was promptly reported to university officials and the Eau Claire Police Department.
UWEC has confirmed Alvergue’s involvement, though formal statements from both the university and law enforcement are still pending.
The situation has sparked widespread attention, with the UWEC College Republicans sharing the incident on social media.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as official statements are released.