FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – A new report from a structural engineering firm sheds light on the likely cause of a gangway collapse at Fernandina Harbor Marina during the Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
According to preliminary findings obtained by Jax Today, the gangway was loaded to more than double its intended capacity when it failed.
The report, prepared by Passero Associates, states, “The gangway was likely loaded upward of 200%, or greater, beyond that which it was originally designed to support.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fernandina Beach gangway collapsed during Fourth of July fireworks show due to excessive weight: official
The chaotic scene, which unfolded about one month ago, was captured on video by bystanders. In the video, you can hear the panic as the gangway, which sits right next to Brett’s Waterway Café, drops straight into the water.
Fortunately, officials say no one was seriously injured in the incident.
Passero Associates said it watched that video footage and also looked closely at the gangway both above and below the water.
“By visual observations, it appears the failure can be at least partially attributed to an overstress of the gangway,” the report said.
Read the full report below (obtained by Jax Today)
The documents also reference Florida building codes, which require a live load of 100 pounds per square foot for stairs and exit ways. However, the gangway was designed to support less than the code-required live load at the time of its construction, according to the report.
On the night of the collapse, the structure was “likely loaded upward of 200%, or greater, beyond that which it was originally designed to support,” the report reads.
Passero Associates recommended in the report that the entire gangway structure and its attachments be fully replaced, suggesting that other structures at the marina should be reviewed to ensure code compliance.
The report notes that its findings are preliminary and limited, and that other factors—such as material degradation, fabrication quality, and support anchorage—could have contributed to the collapse.
Also, the document was prepared solely for informational use by the city as it moves forward with development plans at the marina.
