At least seven people have died after a section of a ferry dock collapsed on Georgia’s Sapelo Island on Saturday, local officials reported.

According to Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources, which manages the dock, around 20 people fell into the water when the gangway gave way. The collapse occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time (20:30 GMT) at the Marsh Landing Dock, where a crowd had gathered for a cultural celebration.

Several individuals were taken to the hospital, and search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing his sorrow over the lives lost, offering prayers for the injured and anyone still missing. “Jill and I mourn with the families and pray for those impacted,” the president said.

The cause of the collapse, which affected the walkway connecting the ferry boarding area to the shore, is not yet clear, according to local sources.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described the incident as heartbreaking and called for prayers for those affected. He announced that state resources had been dispatched to aid in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts. “We are heartbroken by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families of those lost and the community in mourning,” Kemp said.

Authorities have since secured the gangway, and an investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway.

The event taking place at the time of the collapse was part of an annual cultural celebration of the Hogg Hummock community on Sapelo Island. The community, home to descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, has a rich history as part of the Gullah-Geechee heritage.

President Biden acknowledged the significance of the event, stating, “What should have been a joyous celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture and history has turned into a tragedy. Our hearts go out to all those affected.”

Sapelo Island, home to this historic community, is only accessible by boat from the mainland.