Gunfire Erupts at South Carolina Boat Party: 10 Shot, 11 Injured in Little River on Memorial Day Weekend
LITTLE RIVER, S.C. – A Memorial Day weekend boat party in the coastal town of Little River, South Carolina, turned violent on Sunday evening when gunfire broke out, leaving ten people shot and another injured, according to Horry County police.
The shooting happened during a private event held aboard a docked charter boat near the Intracoastal Waterway. Officials confirmed that a total of eleven individuals were taken to local hospitals following the incident. Several victims are said to be in critical condition.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the shooting, but no arrests have been made as of Monday night.
Read more: Shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico Leaves Multiple Injured
The Incident Details
The incident took place on Sunday night, during what was supposed to be a celebration for Memorial Day weekend. According to police, a dispute broke out during a private party hosted on a charter vessel docked in Little River, a community located about 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach.
While it remains unclear exactly where the shots were fired, authorities confirmed the boat was not sailing at the time. The Horry County Police Department responded quickly, and emergency services were dispatched to the scene.
Police say ten people were shot during the altercation, while one other person suffered a non-gunfire-related injury. The injured were transported to hospitals across the region.
Victim Conditions and Investigation
As of Monday morning, police said several of the gunshot victims were in critical but stable condition. Names of the injured individuals have not been released.
A statement from Horry County Police read:
“We are actively investigating this shooting. At this time, no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made. We are urging anyone with information to come forward.”
Investigators are still trying to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the violence. Authorities did not disclose whether the shooting occurred on the boat itself or in the surrounding dock area.
What Was the Party?
The party had been promoted online as a Memorial Day weekend celebration featuring a DJ and a three-hour cruise. A flyer circulated on social media advertised an evening of music and festivities, with the event scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m.
However, those plans were cut short when the altercation erupted into gunfire.
According to the Associated Press, a woman who answered a phone number listed on the event flyer said she was devastated after seeing several of her friends get shot. She declined to provide further comments and ended the call.
Attempts to contact the boat’s operating company were unsuccessful. A representative reportedly refused to speak with reporters when contacted Monday.
Police Officer Injured During Response
During the emergency response to the shooting, a North Myrtle Beach Police officer suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound after accidentally discharging his service weapon, according to the department’s spokesperson, Patrick Wilkinson.
The officer was taken to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition by Monday afternoon. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is now handling the investigation into the officer-involved accident.
Community Reaction
Little River, a small town with a population of around 11,000 residents, is known for its quiet marinas and scenic coastal charm. Sunday night’s shooting has left the community rattled.
Local officials and community members expressed their concern over the violence and the growing trend of gun incidents during large gatherings. Many residents took to social media to voice their shock and demand accountability.
“It’s heartbreaking. This was supposed to be a peaceful holiday,” said one resident. “Now families are in hospitals praying for their loved ones.”
Memorial Day Marred by Violence
The shooting comes during a weekend meant to honor fallen military service members. Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the U.S. dedicated to remembering those who died while serving in the armed forces.
Instead of a peaceful night of remembrance and celebration, the Little River community is now dealing with the aftermath of one of the most violent incidents in its recent history.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, authorities have not recovered any weapons, and no suspects have been officially named. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses who were at the party.
“We are committed to finding those responsible for this act of violence,” the police department said in a statement Monday evening. “We ask the public to remain patient as our investigation continues.”
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Horry County Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through the local Crime Stoppers hotline.
Stay Informed
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