At least 11 individuals sustained injuries during a shooting incident that erupted after an altercation on a charter boat in Little River, South Carolina, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Watson Avenue near the Intracoastal Waterway, approximately 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
According to Horry County Police, 10 individuals were injured by gunfire, while one person sustained a non-gunfire-related injury. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals by Horry County Fire Rescue, with reports of some arriving in private vehicles. Authorities reported that several critically injured individuals were in stable condition at hospitals by Monday morning.
Police indicated the shooting originated from an altercation during a private Memorial Day weekend event on a charter boat. The vessel was docked at the time, but investigators are still determining the exact location where the altercation and subsequent shooting began. Harold Wiegel, associated with Myrtle Beach Adventures, stated that passengers had just left the boat when the violence broke out at the marina.
Wiegel identified the boat involved as the Hurricane, under the operation of Little River Fishing Fleet, as reported by NBC News. Later, Horry County police clarified that the boat was the Hurricane II and said they are identifying “the ownership of or company coordinating the charter.” A person from Little River Fishing Fleet confirmed to The Associated Press that charter customers from the Hurricane were involved but did not provide further details.
Multiple news reports noted an online flyer advertising a Sunday night party with a DJ on a three-hour cruise scheduled to end at 9 p.m. A woman listed on the promotional material expressed distress seeing friends get shot but declined to elaborate when contacted early Monday.
Randy Evans shared details about his 25-year-old son’s experience during the event. His son was shot in the ankle and toe and used his bathing suit as a makeshift tourniquet to help those more severely injured. Evans told The Post and Courier, “The surgery was better than they expected,” mentioning his son would not require pins, and “He’s going to be OK.”
Footage from the scene displayed numerous police vehicles and ambulances moving through the area. Nearby residents reported hearing gunfire and the quick emergency response. Frank Demasi, living near the marina, recounted hearing five consecutive shots, initially thinking they were fireworks, while Charleen Rodgers described continuous sirens after the shooting.
Police spokesperson Mikayla Moskov clarified that although the altercation started on the docked boat, no one was shot aboard it. When gunfire erupted, individuals ran into the water, to the parking lot, or back to the boat for safety. Most victims were on the dock or nearby land when hit by bullets.
The incident prompted a substantial emergency response from various law enforcement agencies. About 90 minutes after the shooting, Horry County police confirmed there was no ongoing community threat and labeled the violence an isolated incident. Detectives are still identifying those responsible, with no arrests announced by Monday afternoon.
In a related event, a North Myrtle Beach police officer was injured when responding to the shooting. The officer’s rifle accidentally discharged twice as he entered a gate at Harbourgate Marina, three miles from the shooting scene, striking him in the leg. Video showed both his hands on the gate when the gun fired, initially leading officers to think shots were coming from the marina.
The officer was first taken to McLeod Seacoast Hospital, then transferred to Grand Strand Medical Center for surgery. North Myrtle Beach police reported the officer was stable but facing “a long recovery road ahead.” The State Law Enforcement Division is assisting in the investigation of the accidental discharge.
Little River is a scenic fishing village on Highway 17 between North Myrtle Beach and the North Carolina border, known for fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and casino boat trips. The Watson Avenue docks, the incident location, are along the Intracoastal Waterway and serve as a point for maritime activities.
Harold Wiegel, whose son lives near the marina, expressed surprise at the violence in the typically peaceful area. The Hurricane II, run by Little River Fishing Fleet, can hold over 100 passengers, though authorities have not disclosed the number aboard during Sunday’s charter. Wiegel suggested that the incident might lead to enhanced security measures, including the installation of cameras and additional screening for larger vessels.
By Monday morning, the marina resumed normal operations with scheduled tours. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the sequence of events leading to the Memorial Day violence. Police encourage anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Horry County Police Department.
