SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Authorities are continuing to investigate a deadly mass shooting that erupted late Saturday night at the Southport Yacht Basin, where a gunman opened fire from a boat on the Cape Fear River, killing three people and injuring at least nine others before fleeing toward Oak Island.
The incident unfolded just before midnight as crowds gathered along the waterfront for weekend dining, music, and entertainment. Witnesses reported that the calm evening was shattered by the sound of rapid gunfire, sending patrons and bystanders scrambling for cover along the docks and inside nearby businesses.
According to investigators, the shooter used a boat positioned just offshore as a platform to launch the attack. Bullets struck multiple people both on the marina’s boardwalk and inside venues overlooking the water. The sudden barrage created chaos as emergency calls poured in and victims collapsed in different locations across the basin.
Southport police officers, deputies from the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and state agents rushed to the scene. Emergency responders provided aid under dangerous conditions while simultaneously working to evacuate civilians from the line of fire. Despite their quick arrival, three victims died from their injuries, while at least nine others were transported to area hospitals. Several remain in critical condition.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as a man with ties to the Oak Island community who had a prior history under a different name. Law enforcement sources said he fled the area by boat after the attack, sparking a widespread manhunt that extended along the Cape Fear River and the coastline.
The U.S. Coast Guard, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and federal agents are now assisting local authorities in the search. Marine patrol units have been deployed to track possible escape routes, while investigators scour the shoreline for evidence and surveillance footage that could reveal the suspect’s movements after the shooting.
Community members described the attack as both shocking and deeply unsettling for a town known for its quiet charm and maritime culture. The Southport Yacht Basin is a popular attraction, particularly on weekends, and the thought of such violence erupting in a familiar gathering place has left residents shaken. Vigils are already being planned to honor the victims, with clergy and civic leaders calling for solidarity in the face of tragedy.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with photographs, videos, or firsthand information to come forward. They noted that even small details could prove critical in piecing together a timeline of the attack and tracking the suspect’s escape route.
Local leaders have condemned the violence, pledging to stand with grieving families and support survivors. Counseling and crisis resources are being organized to help residents cope with the trauma of the shooting. Many stressed the importance of resilience and community unity as Southport confronts the aftermath of this devastating event.
As the investigation continues, the waterfront remains cordoned off as a major crime scene. The people of Southport are left to grapple with grief, unanswered questions, and the reality that a place of relaxation and joy has been scarred by violence. The search for justice, officials assured, is now the highest priority.