Damaged marina gangway removed as investigation into July 4 collapse continues

Crews on Tuesday successfully removed the damaged section of the Fernandina Harbor Marina gangway that collapsed into the Amelia River during the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration.

Southeastern Docks of Jacksonville, the marine contractor hired for the job, used a barge-mounted crane to hoist the compromised gangway segment after it was cut free with circular and saber saws. The twisted metal section was then loaded onto the barge and transported to a storage site near the former Pogy Plant at the north end of Amelia Island for further inspection.

The gangway collapsed Friday evening, July 4, as thousands gathered along the waterfront for the annual fireworks display. Witnesses reported that between 30 and 40 people were standing on the gangway when it gave way, sending the structure into the river. While no individuals fell into the water, the incident triggered widespread panic and confusion, with some spectators fearing they had heard gunshots.

According to the city of Fernandina Beach, emergency units including the Fernandina Beach Police and Fire Departments responded immediately.

“During the fireworks show on the evening of July 4, a gangway at the Fernandina Harbor Marina collapsed, prompting initial confusion and concern among attendees,” the city said in a press release issued Monday. “Although early reports mistakenly referenced an active shooter and a missing child, both were quickly determined to be false.”

City officials said 11 people were evaluated at a triage site at City Hall, with only one person requiring minor first aid.

“Our number one job is keeping residents safe,” said City Manager Sarah Campbell. “We are grateful there were no serious injuries and that our first responders acted swiftly to secure the area.”

While the immediate hazard has been addressed, questions remain about the cause of the structural failure. The city has retained engineering firm Passero Associates to inspect the gangway and determine what led to the collapse. Witnesses and initial assessments suggest the gangway may have been overloaded with spectators during the show, exceeding its intended weight bearing capacity.

As of Tuesday — four days after the incident — the city has not announced a timeline for full repairs or replacement of the gangway. In the meantime, crews have installed seven new pier pilings near exposed utility lines that ran underneath the gangway and supply electricity and water to the marina’s outer docks.

The pier pilings protect the exposed lines from surging tides.

City officials acknowledged the possibility of litigation stemming from the incident and have been cautious in public comments.

The gangway served as a vital link between the main pier and floating docks used by transient boaters and tour operators. Its removal marks a step toward restoring marina functionality, though full operations remain weeks, if not months, away. A secondary, steeper and smaller gangway is still connecting the outer dock to the main marina.

Any replacement gangway will have to incorporate the marina's redesign with the pending demolition of Brett's Waterway Cafe and a reconfiguration of the docks and bulkhead.

The 85-foot-long gangway was made of aluminum and was ADA compliant. The smaller gangway is not ADA approved, and boaters have been made aware that inner dock berths are available for those in need of ADA capabilities.

Light Up Amelia Inc., which has successfully organized the city’s Fourth of July event since 2012, was responsible for this year’s festivities. City officials noted that this year’s turnout was larger than expected due to the extended holiday weekend and new traffic patterns on Front Street.

A post-incident review conducted by the city has resulted in several actionable items aimed at preventing future safety issues during large events. City officials said they remain committed to transparency and public safety as the investigation and rebuilding process continues.

Further updates are expected in the coming weeks.