North Carolina shooting: At least 3 dead, 8 injured after gunman opens fire at riverside pub

A shooting in Southport, North Carolina, resulted in three deaths and eight injuries on Saturday after an unidentified individual opened fire from a boat targeting a crowded restaurant on the dock, authorities confirmed.

The shooting occurred around 9:30 pm (local time) on Saturday at the American Fish Company, a popular pub and restaurant located at 150 Yacht Basin Drive in the Southport Yacht Basin area, about 32 kilometres south of Wilmington.

Police said that at least seven people were shot in the attack, with three of them confirmed dead at the scene, as reported by the Indo-Asian News Service.

City Manager Noah Saldo confirmed that the shooting occurred when a boat approached the dock and fired into the crowd, then escaped. Officials have not provided updates on the eight people injured and hospitalised.

“Several people were taken to the hospital,” he said, noting that the exact count may change as emergency services carry on with their efforts.

The city administration issued a safety directive urging residents to avoid the area, remain inside their homes, and immediately contact 911 if they noticed any suspicious activity.

“Avoid the area and remain in your homes. Please report any suspicious activity immediately to 911,” the statement read.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were helping the Southport Police Department manage the ongoing situation.

“The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the City of Southport Police Department, along with multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the county. Please keep all those affected, as well as our first responders, in your thoughts and prayers,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the situation near the American Fish Company, with the suspect still at large.