On February 26, 2026, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, firefighters were dispatched to an unusual emergency involving the USS Laffey, a retired World War II destroyer that has been converted into a museum ship. A walkway, referred to as the gangway, collapsed into the water during a period of high winds, which were reported to reach gusts of 25 mph. This incident left approximately 30 individuals trapped aboard the vessel as they found themselves stuck without a safe way to disembark. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the stranded individuals. The USS Laffey, known for its service during World War II, notably participated in significant battles, including the D-Day invasion. On that day, the ship was escorting landing craft and tugs to the beaches of Normandy, a crucial undertaking in the history of the war. During its service, the Laffey sustained considerable damage during the Okinawa invasion in 1945, suffering hits from bombs and kamikaze attackers, leading to heavy casualties among its crew members. In light of the walkway collapse, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department utilized a ladder truck to evacuate most of the individuals still on board the ship. One individual required a harness rescue due to the circumstances, but the quick action of first responders ensured everyone was safely removed from the dangerous situation. The incident raised questions about the safety protocols in place for visitors to the historical vessel, especially under adverse weather conditions. While investigations will likely follow to ascertain the specific cause of the walkway's failure, initial reports suggest that high winds may have caused one of the mooring lines securing the ship to snap, leading to this precarious event. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards that can arise when dealing with older maritime structures, particularly as they are maintained for public exhibition and education. The USS Laffey continues to hold historical significance, and the events of February 26 will likely spark discussions regarding user safety and preservation efforts related to such military artifacts.