Breaking: Multiple Injuries Reported in South Carolina Shooting — What We Know So Far

South Carolina authorities are investigating a late-night mass shooting that erupted on a packed party boat docked along Watson Avenue in Little River, leaving at least 11 people wounded and sparking fresh concerns about holiday-weekend safety on the Grand Strand. Horry County Police say 911 calls flooded in around 10 p.m. Sunday when gunfire broke out aboard the Hurricane II, a double-deck charter vessel often booked for Memorial Day excursions. Victims suffered a range of injuries and were rushed by both ambulances and private cars to area hospitals; their conditions have not been publicly released. As of early Monday no arrests had been announced, but detectives stressed that the incident “appears isolated” and urged anyone with video or information to contact the county tip line. Witnesses described chaos as party-goers scrambled onto the docks or dove below deck to avoid bullets. “At first we thought it was fireworks, then everyone started screaming and running,” said Charleen Rodgers, who lives near the Intracoastal Waterway and watched more than 50 patrol cars, fire-rescue units and marine officers swarm the normally quiet marina. The shooting comes as Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities brace for one of their busiest tourism periods of the year. Police had already beefed up patrols for Memorial Day and Atlantic Beach Bike Week, citing a string of recent gun crimes in Horry County. Sunday’s violence is the worst mass-casualty event in the region since the 2022 Ocean Boulevard rampage. Investigators spent the predawn hours processing the vessel, collecting shell casings and reviewing dockside security footage. They are also canvassing local hospitals in case additional victims arrived on their own. Detectives have not commented on a possible motive but confirmed they are looking into whether an altercation during the private cruise escalated. Community leaders called for calm. “Tourists should not feel unsafe—we are deploying every resource to find the shooter,” said County Councilman Tyler Moss. Crisis-response counselors will be available for witnesses, many of whom were visiting from out of state. What to know if you’re in the area • Expect a heavy police presence near Watson Avenue and Hwy 17. Marina access remains closed. • Use alternate boat launches at Cherry Grove or North Myrtle Beach. • Report tips or cellphone videos to 843-915-8477 or submit anonymously at CrimeStoppersSC.com. The investigation is ongoing; check back for updates as more details, including suspect descriptions and victim conditions, are released.