Gunfire From Water: 3 Killed, 8 Wounded in Southport’s American Fish Company Shooting

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) — Late on Saturday, September 27, a waterfront shooting at the American Fish Company bar in Southport left three people dead and at least eight others wounded, according to local authorities. The attack reportedly originated from a boat that pulled up near the establishment and opened fire on patrons before fleeing.

Incident & Context

At around 9:30 p.m. Eastern, emergency calls began flooding into Southport police reporting gunfire and multiple injured people near the Yacht Basin area. The American Fish Company is a popular open-air bar located at 150 Yacht Basin Drive, known for its scenic views, live music lineups, and casual waterfront atmosphere. RestaurantJump+3American Fish Company+3American Fish Company+3

Authorities say a lone individual aboard a small boat navigated close to shore, paused, and discharged shots into the gathering crowd. After the attack, the vessel fled via the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island. AP News+4AP News+4Newsweek+4

Approximately 30 minutes later, U.S. Coast Guard officials reported locating a person matching the suspect’s description at a public boat ramp in Oak Island, where they were in the process of pulling a boat from the water. That individual was taken into custody and turned over to Southport authorities for questioning. People.com+5AP News+5People.com+5

Statements from Authorities & Witnesses

In a press briefing, Southport Police Chief Todd Coring said,

“We responded immediately to reports of multiple gunshot victims. Our priority was to secure the scene and identify any further threats.”

Chief Coring also noted,

“We don’t believe there is any further credible threat to the public at this time,”
though he cautioned that the investigation remains very active. AP News+3Newsweek+3AP News+3

In a city-level social media update, the City of Southport posted,

“This investigation is still in an immediate response stage,”
and urged anyone with information to contact the Southport Police Department. AP News+3Newsweek+3AP News+3

At present, authorities have not released the names or conditions of the victims, citing ongoing investigation protocols. AP News+2People.com+2

Balance & Uncertainties

While three fatalities and eight injuries are confirmed, many details remain unverified. Law enforcement has not publicly named the detained suspect nor disclosed a clear motive. Some reporting suggests that the suspect faces charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder, but those claims stem from secondary sources and have not been fully confirmed by official statements. Wikipedia+2AP News+2

Additionally, though social media speculation has linked the suspect to a person named Nigel Max Edge, these attributions are unconfirmed and should be treated with caution. Indiatimes

Multiple agencies are coordinating on the case, including the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the U.S. Coast Guard. Wikipedia+3AP News+3People.com+3

Next Steps & Legal Process

Investigators continue to comb the scene for ballistic evidence, surveillance footage, and witness statements. The suspect is expected to be formally charged in the coming days, pending review by prosecutors. Wikipedia+2AP News+2

Local officials are also considering additional security measures around waterfront venues and increased patrols in tourist areas. Community leaders say they will push for grief counseling and support services for victims’ families and impacted patrons.

In the coming hours and days, the public is likely to see more detailed updates on victim identities, the suspect’s background, legal charges officially filed, and possible motive.