News Summary

On March 12, 2025, a gangway at Hilton Head’s Shelter Cove Marina collapsed, leading to safety concerns about infrastructure maintenance. The incident resulted in 15 to 20 individuals falling into the water, with eight suffering minor injuries. This collapse raises alarms about the state of marina inspections, especially following a tragic dock collapse in Georgia that claimed seven lives last year. The responsibility for maintaining and inspecting the marina lies with the Palmetto Dunes Resort, and recent findings question the efficacy of existing safety regulations.

Hilton Head Marina Collapse Raises Safety Concerns

Hilton Head’s Shelter Cove Marina experienced a gangway collapse on March 12, 2025, prompting concerns over marina safety and infrastructure maintenance.

Incident Overview

The gangway incident involved:

• 15 to 20 individuals falling into the water.
• Eight people suffered minor injuries, primarily scrapes and bruises, and were hospitalized.

Context

This collapse follows a tragic event in October 2024, where a dock collapse in Sapelo Island, Georgia claimed the lives of seven people.

Marina Ownership and Infrastructure

The infrastructure at Shelter Cove Marina, including the affected gangway, is owned and maintained by the Palmetto Dunes Resort. Built in 1983, it remains unclear if the gangway has been inspected or renovated recently.

Inspection Regulations

Key regulations regarding inspections include:

• The Town of Hilton Head does not have jurisdiction over private marinas’ inspections.
• The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services oversees permitting and regulations but does not enforce building safety standards.
• Inspections have typically focused on environmental rather than structural safety.

Additional Findings

Recent evaluations have shown the following:

• The Harbour Town Yacht Basin has not been inspected by local or state agencies recently.
• Inspections at the Palmetto Bay Marina are primarily concerned with environmental compliance.
• In contrast, the C.C. Haigh Boat Landing receives inspections from Beaufort County Public Works, occurring bi-weekly or monthly.

Safety Precautions Post-Incident

Following the collapse, the affected gangway has been closed off with caution tape and signs indicating it is “not safe.”

Preliminary photographs suggested that structural failure may have stemmed from bolts failing against deteriorating concrete.

Future Actions

Authorities at both local and state levels are currently discussing responsibilities regarding the inspection and maintenance of docks and gangways to enhance safety measures in the area.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Hilton Head Island’s Tiki Hut and Beach House Resort Renovation
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Beaufort County Approves New Tourism Funding Policy
Hilton Head Island Beach Renourishment Project Announced

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Hilton Head Marina Collapse Highlights Safety Issues
• Wikipedia: Marina
• WTOC: Aftermath of Hilton Head Gangway Collapse
• Google Search: Hilton Head Marina collapse
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Marina Gangway Collapse
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marina Safety
• WSAV: At Least 7 Dead After Gangway Collapse on Sapelo Island
• Google News: Marina safety regulations

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.