Sapelo Island tradegy

[MicHughV]

Looking at that photo above, it seems that the linkage attaching the ramp to the building has failed, not sure if it was the cause of the failure or came as a result of the failure, but this the point where the ramp swivels up and down to accommodate the tide, which is around 10' at that location. So a lot of movement possible here, on a daily basis. That connection is simply an aluminum pipe running thru' several alternating aluminum sleeves and it is conceivable that some wear and tear may occur there.
I also note a third handrail running down the middle of the ramp. Again, not sure if this is a structural feature or a convenience feature.
The ramp may also have additional support underneath it, which is not visible.
The handrails can be considered as a structural truss which supports the actual ramp.
Many questions here. While the ramp had many people on it, there is no mention if they were carrying anything heavy, etc, which could have also contributed to the failure.
Time will tell I guess as the investigation unfolds.

[CrispyCringle]

What a horrible accident. It seems surprising to me that so many unfortunately died. I dont think it was a huge drop. Im not sure of the water temp. Maybe there was a strong current. Must of been a hellish scene. But it seems like a lot of casualties for something like this.
I guess its somewhat cool weather there. Maybe jackets and heavy shoes made it more difficult. IDK, just guessing.

[AA3JY]

Originally Posted by CrispyCringle

What a horrible accident. It seems surprising to me that so many unfortunately died. I dont think it was a huge drop. Im not sure of the water temp. Maybe there was a strong current. Must of been a hellish scene. But it seems like a lot of casualties for something like this.
I guess its somewhat cool weather there. Maybe jackets and heavy shoes made it more difficult. IDK, just guessing.

Ever read the book ‘The River is Wide’ by Pat Conroy or watched the movie ‘Conrack’ with John Voight the actor..most of the Geechee people never learned to swim. Though the book was about the people on Defauskie Island, South Carolina..the original Geechee people settled the the barrier islands of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

[AA3JY]

Originally Posted by 5BTM

I have had the opportunity..

If one visited ( by invitation) to Sapelo .. there was a special room within the RJ Rdynolds plantation( now overseen and managed by the University of Georgia).. what was the name of that ‘special room’?

[MicHughV]

The ability to swim or not....old age....heavy clothing...carrying bags...etc, ad infinitum, the cause of death could be attributed to many reasons...none of which would have happened if the ramp didn't fail...