South Carolina Boat Party Ends in Gunfire, Injuries \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A holiday weekend boat party in Little River, South Carolina, ended in gunfire Sunday night, injuring ten people during a dockside altercation. Several victims are in critical condition, with no fatalities reported. Police continue to investigate, and no arrests have been made.
Quick Looks
- Ten people shot during fight after boat party docked
- Incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Sunday in Little River, SC
- No fatalities, but several victims in critical condition
- One additional person hospitalized for non-gunshot injury
- Private charter cruise party with DJ ended shortly before shooting
- Fight broke out as passengers disembarked, police investigating timeline
- Victim used bathing suit as tourniquet to help others
- No arrests made as investigation continues, police urge tips
- North Myrtle Beach officer responding accidentally shot himself
- Little River, a tourist hub, left shaken by rare violence
Deep Look
A holiday weekend meant to bring summer fun and celebration turned into a night of violence and panic in Little River, South Carolina, when a fight following a private boat party escalated into a mass shooting that left ten people wounded, several critically. The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. Sunday near a popular marina, jolting the normally tranquil coastal community and prompting a widespread police investigation.
What Happened?
According to Horry County Police, the gunfire broke out shortly after a private charter boat, which had hosted a Memorial Day weekend party, docked at a marina. Witnesses and officials say the altercation began as guests disembarked following a three-hour cruise, which had been promoted online as a DJ party.
The details remain murky, but what began as an argument reportedly escalated into multiple gunshots, leaving ten people injured by gunfire. An additional individual was hospitalized for non-gun-related injuries, possibly due to the chaos and panic that followed.
As of Monday, no deaths have been reported, but several victims remain in critical condition.
Survivor Account: Makeshift Tourniquet, Chaos, and Courage
Among the wounded was the 25-year-old son of Randy Evans, who shared his son’s story with The Post and Courier. Shot in the ankle and toe, the young man managed to use his bathing suit as a makeshift tourniquet to aid others more severely hurt than himself.
“The surgery was better than expected,” Evans said. “He didn’t need pins in his foot or ankle. He’s going to be OK.”
Evans’ son told him that the conflict appeared to be a personal argument that escalated quickly once the party ended and people began leaving the boat.
Such firsthand accounts provide a glimpse into the immediate confusion and terror experienced by those present, many of whom were still in swimwear and casual attire when the shots rang out.
A Party Turned Crime Scene
A flyer circulating online advertised the event as a festive DJ-led boat cruise ending at 9 p.m. A woman who answered the phone number listed on the flyer early Monday seemed shaken, stating that she was distraught watching friends get shot, but declined further comment before hanging up.
A call placed to the boat charter company responsible for the vessel yielded a similar response. A man who answered declined to speak with reporters.
Meanwhile, police are still trying to determine whether the shooting occurred on the boat, on the dock, or in the surrounding area. Detectives are reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses, and working to establish a timeline of events.
No Arrests, But Investigation Active
As of Monday evening, no arrests have been made, and no suspects publicly identified. Horry County authorities urged the public to come forward with any relevant information, particularly photos or videos from the party or its aftermath.
With holiday crowds, music, and a packed party boat, officials are facing challenges in sorting through conflicting accounts and verifying details amid a fast-moving scene.
A Second Incident: Officer Injured Responding
In a separate but related development, a North Myrtle Beach police officer responding to the shooting accidentally shot himself in the leg at a marina roughly three miles away from the original scene. The officer is currently hospitalized in stable condition, according to city spokeswoman Lauren Jessie.
This unexpected complication highlights the high-pressure nature of emergency response during active investigations and underscores the chaotic environment first responders encountered Sunday night.
Little River: A Town Known for Leisure, Not Violence
Located just 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach, Little River is a quaint fishing village known for its docks, seafood restaurants, and family-friendly charter cruises, including dolphin tours and casino boats. Until now, the area has largely been shielded from the gun violence that affects larger cities.
This incident, involving a mass shooting during a holiday celebration, has shaken both residents and tourists. Many are now questioning event safety, especially around privately organized boat parties, which may not undergo the same security scrutiny as licensed public events.
Public Safety and Holiday Events Under the Microscope
While the event was privately organized, its public setting near a marina raises broader concerns about crowd control, alcohol consumption, and weapons at large unregulated gatherings. The case is likely to prompt reviews of:
- Boat party permitting requirements
- Security protocols at public docks
- Law enforcement visibility during holiday weekends
- Gun safety enforcement in high-traffic recreational zones
Local officials and tourism authorities may also be under pressure to reassure visitors as the region heads into its peak summer season.
What’s Next?
Horry County Police have committed to a full investigation, and the lack of arrests so far has not deterred their efforts. Community cooperation will be critical in identifying those responsible. Police have not indicated whether the shooter is believed to be one of the injured or still at large.
Supporters of the victims are organizing online fundraisers, and local hospitals have seen an outpouring of support as word of the shooting spreads.
Though the Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of leisure and unity, this tragedy has left a mark on Little River—and serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to crisis in the presence of unchecked violence.
South Carolina Boat
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