Boat-based shooting takes place in North Carolina leaving three individuals dead

(MENAFN) A shooting at a waterfront seafood restaurant in Southport, North Carolina, on Saturday night left three people dead and eight others injured, according to officials.

The City of Southport issued an alert at 9:53 p.m. local time warning residents of gunfire in the yacht basin area. “There is an unknown number of injuries. Avoid the area and remain in your homes. Please report any suspicious activity immediately to 911,” the notice read.

City Manager Noah Saldo told reports that a vessel approached the American Fish Company restaurant, opened fire on patrons, and then fled the scene. According to local accounts, the boat had been stationary across from the restaurant for about an hour before a person on board began shooting.

The vessel, described as a 23-foot speedboat with a single outboard engine and a spotted dog on board, reportedly fled up the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island. A separate incident near Oak Island’s 55th Street access may have been connected, authorities said.

The city’s public information officer, ChyAnn Ketchum, confirmed three fatalities and eight injuries resulting from the attack. Police and emergency personnel remained at the scene late into the night. Officials said a person of interest had been detained and was being questioned.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said it was assisting Southport police “along with multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the county.” “Please keep all those affected, as well as our first responders, in your thoughts and prayers,” it added.

Southport, with a population of just over 4,100, is located about 160 miles southeast of Raleigh and 32 miles south of Wilmington. The yacht basin on the Cape Fear River hosts several riverfront restaurants, and the American Fish Company, described as the town’s “best waterfront pub,” had live music scheduled for Saturday night.

MENAFN28092025000045017281ID1110120923