Deadly Shooting at Southport Yacht Basin Leaves Community in Shock
A peaceful Saturday evening turned tragic at the Southport Yacht Basin in North Carolina when an active shooter opened fire from a boat, leaving at least three people dead and eight others injured. The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the American Fish Company restaurant, transforming what should have been a relaxing weekend night into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. As residents were enjoying their evening at this popular waterfront destination about 30 miles south of Wilmington, gunfire erupted unexpectedly, sending people scrambling for safety and prompting local authorities to issue immediate shelter-in-place warnings to the surrounding community.
According to initial police reports shared with Fox News, the incident unfolded when a boat approached the restaurant area, and someone onboard fired multiple shots in the direction of the establishment before quickly fleeing the scene. The City of Southport quickly took to social media, posting an urgent warning on Facebook just before 10 p.m.: “There are reports of an active shooter in the Southport Yacht Basin.” Officials advised residents to avoid the area, remain indoors, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement as they initiated emergency protocols. The normally vibrant yacht basin, known for its collection of popular bars and restaurants where locals and tourists gather to enjoy waterfront dining, suddenly became the center of a massive police response.
The hours following the shooting saw a multi-agency response as the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the Southport Police Department and numerous other law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Their coordinated efforts focused on securing the area, tending to victims, and launching what would quickly become an intensive manhunt for the shooter. As of early Sunday morning, authorities confirmed they had not yet apprehended a suspect, though they were questioning a person of interest in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains in its early stages, with detectives working to piece together the sequence of events and potential motives behind this shocking act of violence.
For the tight-knit coastal community of Southport, this tragedy represents an unprecedented disruption to their sense of security and way of life. The yacht basin area serves as both a practical marina and a social hub where families gather, tourists visit, and friends meet for meals overlooking the water. Many residents expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in their community, with some describing the sound of gunshots echoing across the water as surreal and terrifying. Local business owners and employees who were present during the shooting recounted moments of heroism as staff helped usher patrons to safety, while others described the confusion and fear that spread rapidly as news of the active shooter situation became known.
The immediate aftermath of the shooting has prompted a wave of community support for the victims and their families. Local churches and community centers quickly organized vigils and support services, while medical facilities in the region mobilized additional staff to care for the injured. County officials have promised a thorough investigation and increased security presence in the area in the coming days to reassure residents. “We are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence in our peaceful community,” one local official stated, reflecting the sentiment shared by many Southport residents. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”
As dawn broke on Sunday, the investigation continued with increased urgency as law enforcement worked to locate the shooter and bring them to justice. The waterfront community, known for its historic charm and peaceful atmosphere, now faces the difficult process of healing and recovery in the wake of this tragedy. Questions remain about the circumstances that led to the shooting and whether it was targeted or random, but for now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring public safety. Officials have promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses, urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist authorities in their ongoing manhunt. For Southport, a community that prides itself on its close-knit nature and picturesque waterfront, the challenge ahead lies in preserving that spirit of community while processing this shocking act of violence that has left an indelible mark on their coastal home.
