The incident happened at approximately 16:30 local time (20:30 GMT) at the Marsh Landing Dock as crowds gathered for a cultural celebration, according to BBC.
Multiple people have been taken to hospital and search and rescue operations are under way.US President Joe Biden said he and his wife Jill mourn the lives lost and “pray for the injured and anyone still missing”.
It is not yet known what caused the collapse of the walkway, which connected an outer dock where people board the ferry to another dock onshore, according to local reports.
Brian Kemp, the governor of Georgia, said he and his family were “heartbroken” by the tragedy and asked for prayers “for those lost, for those still in harm’s way, and for their families”.
The governor has sent “state resources to aid in search, rescue, & recovery”, Georgia representative Buddy Carter said in a post on X.
Local authorities said the gangway has been secured and the incident is under investigation.
