In the quiet coastal town of Little River, South Carolina, a festive Memorial Day weekend turned tragic when gunfire erupted near a boat dock on Watson Avenue, leaving at least 11 people hospitalized and a community in shock. The incident, which unfolded around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2025, transformed a serene evening in this close-knit town, about 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach, into a scene of chaos and fear. Emergency vehicles flooded the area, their flashing lights cutting through the night as residents grappled with the sudden violence in a place known for its peaceful waterfront and boating culture.
The Horry County Police Department reported that Horry County Fire Rescue transported 11 individuals to local hospitals, with additional victims arriving at medical facilities in personal vehicles. The exact number of those injured remains unclear, as does the severity of their conditions, with authorities withholding specific details about the nature of the injuries. Some reports suggest that victims suffered not only from gunshot wounds but also from injuries related to the ensuing panic, including being trampled or suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion in the warm coastal evening. The lack of reported fatalities offers a glimmer of hope, but the community remains on edge as the investigation continues.
The shooting took place in a primarily residential area near the Intracoastal Waterway, where a few boating businesses and docks dot the landscape. Authorities have indicated that the incident may have occurred on or near a party boat, specifically the Hurricane II, docked along Watson Avenue. Unverified video footage circulating on social media captures the chaotic aftermath, showing crowds scattering and emergency responders rushing to the scene. Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire, followed by screams and the wail of sirens as dozens of police officers, detectives, and paramedics descended on the area. The heavy law enforcement presence underscored the severity of the event, with some residents reporting seeing a SWAT team among the responders.
The Horry County Police Department has described the shooting as an isolated incident, reassuring the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, no suspects have been identified, and the motive behind the violence remains unknown. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the shooting, combing through evidence at the scene and interviewing witnesses. The department has urged residents to avoid the area to allow public safety personnel to continue their work unimpeded. In a statement, officials emphasized the fluid nature of the investigation, noting that details may evolve as new information comes to light. They have also cautioned the public to rely on verified updates from law enforcement or trusted news outlets, as misinformation can spread rapidly in the wake of such events.
The shooting comes on the heels of another violent incident in the region, raising concerns about safety during the busy Memorial Day weekend, a time when Little River and nearby Myrtle Beach typically see an influx of visitors. Just a day earlier, a separate mass casualty event occurred during Black Bike Week, a popular annual gathering in the area. The proximity of these incidents has heightened anxiety among locals, many of whom took to social media to express their shock and sorrow. Some reported hearing the gunshots from their homes, while others noted the unprecedented number of ambulances racing through the streets.
Little River, with a population of just over 11,000, is known for its deep-sea fishing charters, casino boats, and tranquil waterfront lifestyle. The town’s charm and proximity to the bustling tourist hub of Myrtle Beach make it a beloved destination for both residents and visitors. However, this incident has cast a shadow over the community, prompting questions about safety and the circumstances that led to such a brazen act of violence. As the investigation progresses, authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing clarity and resolution to this tragedy.
For now, Little River residents are left to process the events of that fateful night, grappling with the reality that their peaceful town has been touched by violence. The Horry County Police Department has promised to provide updates as they become available, and the community waits anxiously for answers. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, as this small coastal town seeks to heal and reclaim its sense of security.
