On the evening of Saturday, September 27, 2025, a serene waterfront dining experience at the American Fish Company, a popular restaurant nestled within the Southport Yacht Basin in Southport, North Carolina, turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy. A gunman aboard a boat opened fire on unsuspecting diners, leaving three people dead and eight others injured, according to local authorities and a report by CNN. The shocking incident, which unfolded in the picturesque coastal town, has left the community reeling and raised urgent questions about public safety, gun violence, and the circumstances that led to such a brazen act of violence.
The Incident: A Sudden Attack from the Water
The incident occurred shortly after dusk, when the Southport Yacht Basin was bustling with activity. The American Fish Company, a beloved local eatery known for its fresh seafood and scenic views of the marina, was filled with patrons enjoying a warm late-September evening. Families, couples, and groups of friends sat at outdoor tables, savoring meals and the tranquil ambiance of the waterfront. The Southport Yacht Basin, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, is a hub for boaters and tourists, making it a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors.
According to Southport city spokeswoman ChyAnn Ketchum, the calm was shattered when a boat approached the restaurant from the water. Without warning, the individual aboard the vessel began firing a weapon into the crowd of diners. The gunfire erupted in a matter of seconds, sending patrons scrambling for cover. Tables were overturned, screams filled the air, and the once-lively atmosphere descended into pandemonium as people sought safety from the hail of bullets.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. “It was like something out of a movie,” said one patron, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “We were just eating, laughing, and then all of a sudden, we heard these loud pops. At first, I thought it was fireworks, but then people started screaming and running. I saw someone fall, and I just froze.” Another witness, a server at the restaurant, recounted hearing the sound of a boat engine idling just before the shots rang out. “I looked out toward the water and saw this boat just sitting there, and then the shooting started. It was so fast, I didn’t know what to do.”
The shooter, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, fired multiple rounds before the boat sped off into the night, heading in the direction of the nearby Intracoastal Waterway. The suddenness of the attack and the shooter’s escape by water added a layer of complexity to the response efforts, as law enforcement scrambled to secure the scene and pursue the suspect.
The Toll: Lives Lost and a Community in Shock
By the time the gunfire ceased, three individuals had been fatally wounded. As of early Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, the identities of the deceased had not been released, pending notification of their families. Authorities have not disclosed whether the victims were locals or visitors, nor have they provided details about their ages or backgrounds. The withholding of this information, while standard in the immediate aftermath of such incidents, has left the tight-knit Southport community grappling with uncertainty and grief.
In addition to the three fatalities, eight others were injured in the attack. Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, in a press briefing late Saturday, indicated that “possibly six” individuals were receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. The discrepancy between the reported number of injured—eight, according to city officials—and the number receiving treatment suggests that some injuries may have been minor or that some victims were treated and released quickly. However, the conditions of those hospitalized remain unknown, adding to the anxiety felt by residents awaiting updates on their loved ones.
Local hospitals, including Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport and nearby facilities in Wilmington, were placed on high alert as emergency responders transported the wounded. Medical personnel worked tirelessly to stabilize patients, some of whom were reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries. The exact nature of the injuries has not been disclosed, but gunshot wounds can vary widely in severity, depending on factors such as the type of weapon used, the distance from which the shots were fired, and the areas of the body struck.
The psychological toll of the incident is also significant. Survivors, witnesses, and first responders are likely to carry the trauma of the event for years to come. Community leaders have already begun discussing the need for mental health resources to support those affected, with local organizations and churches planning to offer counseling services in the coming days.
The Investigation: A Suspect Detained, Questions Remain
As the Southport Police Department and other law enforcement agencies mobilized to respond to the shooting, their immediate priority was to secure the area and ensure the safety of the public. The suspect’s escape by boat posed a unique challenge, as the Intracoastal Waterway provides access to a vast network of waterways and coastal communities. Authorities quickly focused their efforts on tracking the vessel, which was believed to be heading toward Oak Island, a neighboring community located just a few miles from Southport.
Chief Coring, addressing reporters late Saturday, confirmed that the investigation was active and ongoing. “We are working diligently to piece together what happened and why,” he said. “Our primary concern right now is ensuring the safety of our community and bringing the individual responsible to justice.” Coring’s measured tone reflected the gravity of the situation, as well as the determination of law enforcement to resolve the case swiftly.
A significant breakthrough came late Saturday when Oak Island officials reported that a US Coast Guard team had detained a person of interest. The individual was spotted loading a boat at a public ramp in the Oak Island area, and their description matched that of the suspected shooter. While authorities have not confirmed whether this person is the primary suspect, Chief Coring noted that the individual was being questioned in connection with the shooting. “I’m comfortable to say that we don’t feel like there’s any additional threats to the community at this time,” Coring added, offering a small measure of reassurance to a rattled public.
The involvement of the US Coast Guard underscores the unique nature of the incident, which required coordination between local, state, and federal agencies. The Coast Guard’s expertise in maritime operations was critical in tracking the suspect’s vessel, which could have easily disappeared into the labyrinth of waterways along North Carolina’s coast. The detention of the person of interest marks a critical step in the investigation, but many questions remain unanswered, including the motive for the attack and whether the shooter acted alone.
The Context: Southport and the Broader Issue of Gun Violence
Southport, a small coastal city with a population of approximately 4,000, is known for its charming downtown, historic architecture, and thriving tourism industry. Often described as the “Happiest Seaside Town in America,” Southport attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, maritime heritage, and welcoming community. The American Fish Company, located at the heart of the Southport Yacht Basin, is a cornerstone of the local dining scene, offering a quintessential coastal experience. For many residents, the idea of such a violent act occurring in their idyllic town is almost unthinkable.
Yet, the shooting at the Southport marina is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 400 mass shootings in the US in 2025 alone, defined as incidents in which four or more people are shot. While the Southport incident does not meet the strict definition of a mass shooting (based on the number of victims), its impact on the community is no less profound. The attack joins a growing list of tragedies that have unfolded in public spaces, from schools and malls to restaurants and places of worship.
The unique circumstances of this shooting—carried out from a boat targeting a waterfront establishment—highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing and responding to such incidents. Unlike traditional mass shootings, which often occur in enclosed spaces, this attack leveraged the mobility and anonymity of the water, allowing the shooter to strike and flee with relative ease. This raises questions about the security of waterfront venues, which are often designed to be open and accessible to both land-based and maritime visitors.
The incident also comes at a time when debates over gun control, mental health, and public safety are at the forefront of national discourse. Advocates for stricter gun laws argue that the accessibility of firearms contributes to the frequency of such attacks, while others emphasize the importance of addressing underlying issues such as mental health crises or societal alienation. In Southport, these debates are likely to take on new urgency as residents grapple with the aftermath of the shooting.
Community Response: Resilience Amid Grief
As news of the shooting spread, the Southport community came together in a show of solidarity and resilience. Local leaders, including Mayor Joe Smith, expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to support the ongoing investigation. “This is a devastating day for our city,” Smith said in a statement. “Southport is a place where people come to feel safe and enjoy the beauty of our coast. We will not let this act of violence define us.”
Vigils and memorials are already being planned to honor the victims and provide a space for collective mourning. Churches, community centers, and local businesses have offered their facilities for gatherings, and residents have taken to social media to share messages of support and calls for unity. “We’re a small town, but we’re strong,” one resident posted on X. “We’ll get through this together.”
The American Fish Company, which sustained damage during the shooting, announced that it would temporarily close to allow staff and management to process the tragedy. The restaurant’s owners issued a statement expressing their heartbreak and gratitude for the community’s support. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will do everything we can to help our community heal.”
Looking Ahead: Questions and Challenges
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Key questions include the shooter’s motive, whether the attack was targeted or random, and how the suspect was able to carry out such an act undetected. The use of a boat as a platform for the attack raises additional concerns about maritime security and the potential for similar incidents in other coastal communities.
For Southport, the road to recovery will be long and challenging. The shooting has shattered the sense of safety that defines this close-knit town, and residents will need time to process their grief and rebuild their trust in public spaces. Community leaders are already discussing ways to enhance security at the marina and other public venues, though such measures must balance safety with the open, welcoming atmosphere that makes Southport a cherished destination.
On a broader scale, the incident underscores the need for a national conversation about gun violence and its impact on communities large and small. While Southport may seem an unlikely setting for such a tragedy, the reality is that no place is immune. As the nation mourns yet another loss of life, the hope is that this tragedy will galvanize efforts to address the root causes of violence and prevent future atrocities.
Conclusion
The shooting at the Southport Yacht Basin on September 27, 2025, is a heartbreaking chapter in the ongoing story of gun violence in America. The loss of three lives and the wounding of eight others has left an indelible mark on the Southport community, challenging its sense of security and resilience. As law enforcement works to bring justice to those responsible, the people of Southport are coming together to support one another and honor the memory of those lost.
While the investigation is far from over, the detention of a person of interest offers a glimmer of hope that answers will soon emerge. In the meantime, the community is left to grapple with grief, fear, and the determination to move forward. Southport’s spirit, rooted in its coastal charm and tight-knit bonds, will undoubtedly play a central role in its recovery. But for now, the focus remains on healing, remembering, and seeking justice for the victims of this senseless act.
