News Summary

An aluminum dock ramp collapsed at Shelter Cove Marina in Hilton Head Island, resulting in injuries to eight people, primarily with scrapes and bruises. The incident occurred when 15 to 20 individuals were on the gangway, prompting immediate safety measures. This event raises concerns about safety regulation responsibilities as it follows a tragic collapse in Georgia that resulted in fatalities. Local officials are now assessing the dock’s structural integrity and have implemented safety measures to prevent further incidents.

Hilton Head Island Gangway Collapse Injures Eight

An aluminum dock ramp collapsed at Shelter Cove Marina in Hilton Head Island on Saturday, injuring eight individuals who sustained primarily minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when 15 to 20 people were on the gangway, which suddenly dropped into the water.

Context of Safety Regulation

This incident comes shortly after a tragic gangway collapse on Sapelo Island, Georgia, which resulted in seven fatalities.

In response to the collapse at Shelter Cove, the Town of Hilton Head clarified that it lacks jurisdiction over safety inspections of docks and piers. The regulation of waterfront developments involves multiple local, state, and federal agencies, primarily focusing on environmental concerns rather than public safety.

• The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) primarily concentrates on water quality and does not enforce building code standards for marinas.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) handles environmental permits but does not typically inspect for structural integrity.
• Inspections by SCDES every five years revealed 29 violations at Shelter Cove, mostly linked to unauthorized floating docks.
• The Town’s Building Division may conduct emergency inspections but generally does not oversee privately-owned docks.
• The United States Coast Guard checks boats for environmental compliance but does not inspect docks.
• The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) may inspect for visible maintenance issues but does not cover all docks.

Immediate Actions Taken

Following the collapse, the Town’s building official is working with marina management to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all gangways is performed by a structural engineer. Shelter Cove Marina, owned by Palmetto Dunes Resort, has an unclear timeline for recent inspections or renovations of its structures.

To ensure public safety, signs and caution tape have been placed around the collapsed gangway and other nearby docks, indicating they are unsafe.

Inspection Protocols

While public docks, such as the one at C.C. Haigh Boat Landing, undergo bi-weekly or monthly inspections by Beaufort County, privately-owned marinas like Shelter Cove do not adhere to the same regular safety inspection protocols.

The overall situation reveals a significant lack of clarity regarding agency responsibilities for routine safety inspections on docks and gangways across Hilton Head Island.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hilton Head Marina Collapse Raises Safety Concerns
Gangway Collapse at Shelter Cove Marina Injures Eight

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Gangway Collapse Injures Eight
• Wikipedia: Gangway
• AOL: EPA Head on Protecting Environment
• Google Search: Docks safety regulation
• Island Packet: Update on Safety Regulations
• Google Scholar: Marina Safety Inspections
• WSAV: Video of Deer Jumping Off Dock
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
• AOL: Daufuskie Island Residents Seek Answers
• Google News: Dock collapse incidents

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.