May 27, 2025

Tragedy Strikes Memorial Day Boat Party in Little River

News Summary

A Memorial Day weekend boat party in Little River, South Carolina, turned tragic when ten people were shot during the gathering. The incident, which occurred late Sunday evening, resulted in multiple injuries and a heavy police presence as authorities responded to the emergency. Investigations are ongoing, and witnesses are being called upon to assist in identifying suspects. The community grapples with the impact of this unexpected violence during what was meant to be a festive occasion.

Tragedy Strikes Memorial Day Boat Party in Little River

A festive Memorial Day weekend gathering took a shocking turn in Little River, South Carolina, where ten people endured gunshot wounds during a party aboard a charter boat. This incident unfolded late Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the community and drawing heavy police presence.

What Happened That Night?

The Horry County Police department began receiving distress calls around 10 p.m., prompting a rapid response to the docks located on Watson Avenue. Attendees were enjoying a lively event featuring a DJ on a charter boat that had been docked for the night when an unexpected altercation escalated into violence.

In total, eleven individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with ten suffering from **gunfire-related injuries**. As of Monday morning, some remained in critical but stable condition while receiving medical care. Another individual sustained an injury not linked to gunfire, highlighting just how chaotic the situation was.

Details on the Gathering

Reports indicate the boat was hosting approximately 100 partygoers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that unfortunately took a dangerous turn. While the specifics of the shooting location—whether it occurred on the boat or the dock—remain unclear, eyewitness accounts confirmed that many victims were positioned on the dock when they were shot.

As relatives and friends learned of the incident, the tension in the air was palpable. One parent, whose child was among the injured, provided an update after their loved one underwent surgery. Though many lives were impacted that night, the vast number of police officers responding—estimated to be around 50—demonstrated the seriousness of the situation.

What Are Authorities Doing?

In the aftermath, law enforcement quickly established a perimeter around the marina, with crime scene tape marking off the entrances and exits. The docks and marina are currently sealed off while authorities investigate the incident further. Although no arrests have been made at this time, the police are treating this as an isolated event and are actively working to identify potential suspects.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has also joined the investigation, gathering information and seeking assistance from the community. Local residents and party-goers who may have witnessed the event are urged to come forward with any helpful details that could aid in the pursuit of justice.

Witness Accounts

As news of the shooting spread, residents nearby recounted hearing a **flurry of gunshots**. Some, at first, mistook the sound for fireworks, feeling bewildered as chaos unraveled along the docks. Witnesses noted the sudden shift from celebration to fear, with the warm atmosphere quickly turning somber.

Additionally, in a bizarre twist of fate, while responding to the crisis, a North Myrtle Beach police officer accidentally injured himself in the leg after discharging his service weapon. Thankfully, he is recovering and is now in stable condition.

Next Steps

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the fallout of an event that was meant to celebrate and honor the holiday. Local authorities are committed to uncovering what led to such a tragic occurrence and assure the public that every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice.

For those in Little River and nearby areas, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life’s celebrations, and the hope now is that healing can begin both for the injured and for the community as a whole during this difficult time.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.