Gangway Collapse at Shelter Cove Marina Injures Eight

News Summary

A gangway collapse at Shelter Cove Marina in Hilton Head, SC, injured eight people on March 12th. Emergency responders treated and transported those with minor injuries. The incident involved 15 to 20 individuals on the gangway when it collapsed. Officials cordoned off Dock B, the largest deep-water dock, while a structural engineer will evaluate all gangways to prevent future incidents. This collapse follows a tragic gangway incident in Georgia, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in marina infrastructure.

Hilton Head, SC – A gangway collapse at Shelter Cove Marina injured eight people on Wednesday, March 12th, around 3:09 p.m.

Approximately 15 to 20 individuals were on the gangway when it gave way. Fortunately, all were safely on the dock by the time emergency responders arrived.

• Injuries: Eight people sustained minor injuries and were treated and transported to nearby hospitals.
• Location: The collapsed gangway was leading to Dock B, the largest deep-water dock on Hilton Head Island, which accommodates nearly 200 boats.

Officials cordoned off the entrance to Dock B with caution tape and posted signs indicating that the walkway was “not safe.” Similar safety alerts were placed at other docks—Dock A and Dock C.

Additionally, the marina’s service dock was closed with a notice stating “do not enter: Town ordinance.”

The Town building official is collaborating with marina management to ensure that all gangways undergo evaluation by a structural engineer to avert future incidents.

This incident comes in the wake of a previous gangway collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island in October 2024, which tragically resulted in seven fatalities.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Gangway Collapse
• Wikipedia: Gangway
• WTOC: Gangway Collapse at Hilton Head
• Google Search: Hilton Head gangway collapse
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Marina Incident
• Google Scholar: Gangway Collapse Incidents
• WTOC: Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Auction
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marina Safety