Southport NC Shooting: A waterfront evening out in the usually quiet coastal town of Southport, North Carolina, turned tragic late on Saturday night, September 27, 2025, after someone fired shots from a boat toward patrons at the American Fish Company at the Southport Yacht Basin. Multiple people were killed and several more were wounded. Local, state and federal authorities responded quickly; a person of interest was detained and was being questioned, and residents were urged to stay clear of the area while investigators processed the scene. Below is a careful, step-by-step guide to what we know, what officials are investigating, how the community has responded, and practical steps for readers who want to help or stay informed.
1) The core facts (short version)
Short, verified summary:
- What: Gunfire was directed from a vessel at people gathered near the American Fish Company, an outdoor waterfront restaurant at Southport Yacht Basin.
- When: The city reported the incident shortly before 10:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025; officials say shots were heard around 9:30 p.m. that night.
- Casualties: Officials confirmed three people killed and several others injured (local reports have mentioned eight injured in initial counts with later details indicating six hospitalized and some who declined transport). Numbers changed in early reporting; local authorities are the definitive source for final counts.
- Suspect status: A person of interest was detained by Oak Island authorities after Coast Guard crews observed a person matching the description; that individual was being held for questioning and may be transferred to Southport for investigative interviews. No arrest affidavit or court filing naming a suspect had been released at the time of publishing.
These points reflect the most important, verified facts the city and reporting outlets released in the immediate hours after the incident.
2) Where exactly did this happen — a short geography lesson
Southport NC Shooting: The shooting occurred at the Southport Yacht Basin, a dockside area on Yacht Basin Drive that’s home to waterfront restaurants, docks and tourist activity. The American Fish Company is an outdoor waterfront dining spot popular with locals and visitors for seafood and live music; the venue sits adjacent to where private boats and charters tie up on the Intracoastal Waterway. The nature of the location — outdoor seating on a dock — shaped how emergency responders approached the scene and explains why a vessel in the water could pull alongside and then depart.
3) How the event unfolded (verified timeline from official briefings)
- ~9:30 p.m. EDT: Southport authorities received reports of an active shooter situation after patrons at the waterfront heard gunfire coming from a passing boat. Southport’s public information officer and police chief provided preliminary briefings in the hours after midnight.
- Within the hour: First responders arrived, secured the immediate scene at the Yacht Basin, and began treating and transporting the injured. Multiple ambulances and law-enforcement vessels were visible in live local coverage.
- ~10:00 p.m.: The U.S. Coast Guard reportedly observed a person matching the shooter’s description loading a boat at a public ramp in Oak Island; Oak Island police detained that person and coordinated with Southport and the State Bureau of Investigation. Authorities described the detention as a “person of interest” being held for questioning while the investigation continued.
Officials emphasized this was an active, rapidly developing investigation and asked the public to rely on official updates for authoritative information.
4) Casualty and hospital reporting — what to rely on
Initial reported counts varied slightly between early broadcasts and later updated press briefings — a common occurrence in breaking situations as hospitals and agencies reconcile numbers. Local officials told reporters that three people had died at the scene and that emergency responders transported multiple injured victims to area hospitals; by early morning, six people were reported hospitalized in some briefings, with others possibly treated on site or declining transport. Treat early numbers as provisional; official coroner statements and hospital releases are the final sources for verified casualty counts.
5) Who’s investigating and which agencies are involved
Because the incident involved activity on the water and shore, multiple agencies are participating:
- Southport Police Department — lead on-scene investigations and public information for the city.
- Oak Island Police Department — where a person of interest was detained and which is coordinating custody and transfer details.
- U.S. Coast Guard — reportedly involved in locating and detaining a person of interest seen loading a vessel at a public ramp.
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) — commonly assists local police in major incidents and was listed by officials as providing investigative support.
Multi-agency responses are typical in incidents that cross jurisdictional lines (water vs. land) and in mass-casualty events where state resources and specialized investigative teams are needed.
6) What the City of Southport officially posted (public safety notice)
The City of Southport issued an immediate public notice and later released an update confirming an active shooter situation at the Southport Yacht Basin and that law enforcement had detained a person of interest in Oak Island. City posts urged residents to avoid the area and to follow official channels for updates. When local governments issue such statements, they are the primary authoritative source; readers should refer to city releases for verified public-safety instructions.
7) Community reaction — grief, shock, and local reporting
Southport is a small coastal community where dockside restaurants are social hubs; the news brought immediate shock and grief. Local broadcasters ran live coverage with aerial shots of the marina and interviews with first responders and residents. Churches, civic organizations and local politicians quickly expressed condolences; community members organized informal vigils and requested an official memorial once the family notifications and investigative steps were complete. In cases like this, local community groups often coordinate support for victims’ families and first responders.
8) Safety & practical guidance for residents and visitors
If you live in or are visiting Brunswick County or the Southport/Oak Island area, follow these steps:
- Avoid the immediate area — let law enforcement and investigators work. The city and media will post re-opening notices when safe.
- Follow verified channels — use the City of Southport, Southport Police, WECT and ABC News updates rather than social reposts. Official briefings contain the most accurate guidance.
- If you were at the scene: seek medical attention even for minor injuries or shock symptoms; mental-health impacts (PTSD, acute stress) can appear after the event. Many hospitals offer crisis counselors after mass casualty incidents.
- Don’t spread unverified identities or rumors. Avoid amplifying names or claims from social sleuthing until law enforcement confirms facts — misidentification causes real harm.
9) How to help responsibly (for readers who want to assist)
- Wait for official fund or memorial pages established by families, local nonprofits or the city — these channels ensure donations reach intended recipients. Early crowdfunding efforts should be vetted (look for verifiable organizer names and affiliated local organizations).
- Support local first responders — consider coordinated gestures (meals, gift cards through verified community organizations). Contact local community foundations or the city to learn what’s needed.
- If you’re locally able, offer practical support — temporary transport, childcare for those impacted, or volunteering through established relief groups can be meaningful ways to help.
10) Misinformation risks — what to avoid sharing
Breaking news often attracts speculation and so-called “open-source sleuthing.” Please avoid:
- Sharing unverified photos or videos that might reveal victims or identify bystanders.
- Amplifying alleged suspect names or social-media posts until law-enforcement agencies confirm identity. Multiple outlets reported online claims about a suspect’s name — those are unverified and should not be treated as fact.
- Relying on single anonymous social posts; prefer verified local outlets and official city statements.
Responsible sharing protects victims’ families and prevents interference with an active investigation.
11) Legal and investigative next steps to expect
- Evidence collection on land and water: Investigators will process ballistic evidence on the dock and may seek forensic examination of recovered shell casings, boats and video. Because the shooter reportedly fired from a vessel, investigators will likely inspect the boat and interview anyone with access to marinas in the area.
- Forensic timeline & coroner notifications: The county medical examiner will confirm identities and causes of death; families are notified before public releases.
- Possible state/federal charges: If evidence shows interstate movement or federal waterway violations, U.S. agencies (including the Coast Guard and federal prosecutors) may have jurisdictional roles. Expect coordination across agencies.
12) How national media covered it — look for continued updates
Major national outlets — ABC News, WRAL, WECT and other regional affiliates — published early confirmed reports and often carry live-updated timelines as investigators reveal more. Bookmark official pages from Southport and WECT for the most reliable, minute-by-minute updates in the first 24–72 hours. National outlets will typically add depth as the investigation proceeds and as official charges or identifications are confirmed.
13) Final notes — compassion and verification matter now
This is a human tragedy: people gathered to enjoy an evening were hurt, and families will grieve. At times like this, the most useful public response is to (1) rely on verified official information, (2) avoid speculation and the spread of unconfirmed identities, and (3) support legitimate, family-directed memorial efforts when they appear.
If you have urgent, verified information that may assist investigators (video, eyewitness accounts, timestamps), contact Southport Police or the local tip lines rather than posting raw footage widely — that helps the investigation and protects victims’ privacy.
Verified sources (only authoritative links used)
ABC News — 3 killed, 8 injured after shooter in boat opens fire on North Carolina waterfront bar: Official. (ABC News)
https://abcnews.go.com/US/3-dead-8-injured-after-shooter-boat-opens/story?id=126008030
Disclaimer
This article summarizes verified, public reporting and official statements as of the time noted. It is not a legal, medical, or investigative report. For official emergency instructions, follow City of Southport and local law-enforcement channels. If you have information that may help investigators, contact Southport Police Department directly. Images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.