An argument aboard a charter boat in South Carolina escalated into a shooting on Sunday, injuring at least 10 people and leaving another with non-gunshot injuries, according to authorities.
The Horry County Police Department stated Monday that investigators are still working to determine who was responsible for the incident, which occurred in Little River, a coastal town about 25 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach.
Preliminary findings suggest the shooting stemmed from a dispute during a private Memorial Day weekend event held on a docked charter boat, police said. They described the event as an isolated occurrence.
Several victims were reported to be in “critical but stable condition,” police added.
According to Harold Wiegel, a partner at Myrtle Beach Adventures located nearby, gunfire broke out just as passengers were disembarking. “When they got off the boat, they just started shooting each other,” he told NBC News.
Wiegel, whose son lives close to the marina and heard the shots, identified the boat as the Hurricane, operated by Little River Fishing Fleet.
Later, police confirmed the vessel involved was Hurricane II and said they are still trying to determine its ownership or the company managing the charter.
A representative from Little River Fishing Fleet acknowledged that their customers were involved in the incident but declined to provide further comment.
The Associated Press noted that an online flyer promoted a three-hour party cruise with a DJ on Sunday.
Separately, Myrtle Beach police reported that a North Myrtle Beach officer was accidentally shot in the leg when his firearm discharged. He was treated and stabilized at a hospital.
Authorities said the shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. and was contained to the marina area along the Intracoastal Waterway. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Little River, home to over 11,000 residents, is located on South Carolina’s Grand Strand near the North Carolina border and is known for its fishing charters, boat tours, and casino cruises.
