What was meant to be a festive Memorial Day weekend turned into a nightmare on the water when gunfire broke out aboard a docked party boat in Little River, South Carolina, sending shockwaves through the coastal town and leaving 11 people injured.
The shooting happened just before 10 p.m. Sunday night on a charter vessel docked near Watson Avenue, not far from the Intracoastal Waterway. According to the Horry County Police Department, the vessel had been hosting a private celebration when an argument turned violent — and ended in a barrage of bullets.
“People were dancing and having a good time — and then we just heard pops, one after another,” said Kimberly West, a bystander who was walking the boardwalk with her family when the chaos erupted. “At first I thought it was fireworks… then I saw people running and screaming. It was horrifying.”
Authorities confirmed that 10 of the injured victims suffered gunshot wounds. One is currently in critical but stable condition. An eleventh person was hurt while fleeing but was not struck by gunfire, police said.
In a statement Monday morning, Horry County investigators described the incident as an “isolated act of violence” stemming from a confrontation among partygoers. No suspects have been publicly named, and police say they’re still working to identify everyone involved.
“This was not a random act,” the department emphasized. “At this time, there is no threat to the broader community.”
First responders flooded the scene late Sunday, tending to victims as others were rushed to hospitals in private vehicles. Cell phone footage from nearby witnesses shows flashing lights from emergency crews and people weeping on the docks.
The attack has left the beach town community rattled, especially during what’s usually one of the busiest weekends of the year.
“We’ve never seen anything like this here,” said local charter captain Dave McMillan. “This should’ve been a night to honor our fallen heroes, not end up in the headlines for a shooting.”
Little River, just 25 miles north of Myrtle Beach, is known for its peaceful waterways and fishing charters — not gun violence.
Police are urging anyone who attended the party or has video footage to come forward.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Just some Democrat junkies having their usual fun…