What happened at the Southport waterfront
Three people were killed and eight others were injured when a person on a boat opened fire at an outdoor bar along the Southport Yacht Basin on Saturday night, authorities said. The incident occurred near the American Fish Company, a waterfront venue, as the boat continued along the Intracoastal Waterway. City officials described a chaotic scene as bystanders fled and first responders arrived to assist the injured.
ChyAnn Ketchum, Southport’s public information officer, said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to establish the sequence of events. The city issued a safety advisory as officers secured the area and urged residents to shelter in place while the waterfront was cleared and protected.
The city later announced that the shooting started around 9:30 p.m. Saturday and extended along the waterway, with authorities working to determine how many people were aboard the vessel and what prompted the attack.
Suspect and charges
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as Nigel Max Edge, 40, of Oak Island. He faces three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. Additional charges are anticipated as investigators continue their work.
Court documents describe the weapon as a short-barrel AR rifle equipped with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope. Investigators have said the gunfire appeared to be deliberate and targeted the outdoor bar and nearby area.
Response, safety measures, and investigation
Following the incident, the U.S. Coast Guard reported observing a person matching the shooter’s description loading a boat at the Oak Island public ramp and detaining him. The suspect is being held by the Oak Island Police Department and will be turned over to the Southport Police Department for questioning, with assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation.
The city posted a notice on its Facebook page warning residents of reports of an active shooter near the waterfront and advising people to stay indoors as officers secured the area and began a thorough investigation.
Authorities said the attack left multiple people injured and transported to local hospitals, with treatment levels and specific conditions not immediately released as the investigation continues.
What happens next
This remains an active investigation. Edge is scheduled for his first court appearance on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Brunswick County Courthouse. Officials stressed that information may evolve as more details come to light and investigators work to identify every person affected by the incident.
Impact on the community
Southport, a coastal town along Cape Fear, is assessing the aftermath of the violence that unfolded along its waterfront. Local leaders said they will provide updates as they learn more about motive, timeline, and the broader impact on residents and harbor businesses. Safety remains a priority as the investigation unfolds and law enforcement continues to gather evidence.
