- Thursday, May 29, 2025
A Memorial Day weekend altercation on a docked charter boat in Little River, South Carolina, escalated into a shooting that left at least 11 people hospitalized, including a police officer. Authorities are still searching for suspects.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A holiday weekend celebration in Little River, South Carolina, turned chaotic Sunday night (25) after a private gathering aboard a charter boat spiraled into violence.
The Horry County Police Department confirmed that gunfire erupted at the marina following an altercation on the vessel, resulting in at least 10 people sustaining gunshot wounds and an additional person injured. The most critically wounded are in stable but serious condition.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. in the scenic coastal town located approximately 25 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach.
There may have been a Mass Casualty Event in Little River South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/GGJFVJv9c4
— Kagan.Dunlap (@Kagan_M_Dunlap) May 26, 2025
Little River is a popular destination known for its charter fishing excursions, casino cruises, and waterfront views.
In an official statement Monday (26), Horry County police emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an “isolated event” stemming from a dispute during a private Memorial Day weekend gathering on the docked boat. “The boat was docked at the time of the incident,” the statement noted. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify all individuals responsible for the gunfire.
Eyewitnesses say the altercation escalated quickly as passengers were disembarking. Harold Wiegel, a partner at Myrtle Beach Adventures and whose son lives near the marina, told NBC News he heard the shots and said, “When they got off the boat, they just started shooting each other.”
Local businesses and residents expressed shock over the sudden violence in the usually peaceful harbor town. Little River, home to more than 11,000 residents, is a close-knit community situated along the Grand Strand near the North Carolina border. The area rarely sees incidents of this scale, especially amid festive long weekend gatherings.
In a separate but related incident, a North Myrtle Beach police officer who was responding to the emergency was injured when his service weapon accidentally discharged. According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the officer suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. He was promptly transported to a hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 11 individuals were hospitalized following the incident, and multiple crime scene units were deployed to the marina and surrounding areas late into the night.
Despite the violent outbreak, law enforcement officials have reassured the public that the shooting was contained to its original location near the Intracoastal Waterway and that there is no ongoing threat to the broader community.
Police have not released any information regarding arrests or suspects but are urging anyone with footage or knowledge of the incident to come forward. The Horry County Police Department has established a tip line to assist in gathering evidence and identifying those involved in the shooting.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are expected to provide further updates in the coming days. Meanwhile, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event that has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory holiday weekend.
This incident adds to growing concerns about public safety at large gatherings, especially during national holidays when tourism peaks in coastal regions like Little River. Law enforcement agencies across South Carolina are now increasing patrols and encouraging vigilance to ensure community safety moving forward.
