On September 27, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred at the American Fish Company bar in Southport, North Carolina, leaving three people dead and six others injured. The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. at the popular waterfront establishment located in the city's Yacht Basin area during a live musical performance. A lone suspect opened fire from a boat on the water before fleeing the scene, sparking an immediate multi-agency law enforcement response that led to a swift arrest.
The attack stunned the quiet coastal community and drew national attention. Understanding what happened requires looking at the timeline of events, the suspect apprehended by authorities, the victims impacted, and the ongoing community response in the aftermath of the violence.
The Incident at the American Fish Company
The American Fish Company sits right along the waterfront in Southport's historic Yacht Basin, a frequent gathering spot for both residents and tourists. On the night of the shooting, a concert was underway, drawing a weekend crowd to the open-air deck area.
According to official investigations, the shooter approached the venue from the water on a boat, anchoring near the bar before opening fire with a rifle. The sudden gunfire caused immediate panic among patrons and staff. After firing multiple rounds into the crowd, the suspect unanchored the boat and sped away westward along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Law enforcement received the first emergency calls at approximately 9:30 p.m. The first responding police officer arrived on the scene just four minutes later, quickly securing the area and providing immediate trauma care, including the application of tourniquets and CPR to wounded patrons. Emergency medical services and fire units followed shortly after, while local authorities coordinated with regional partners to track down the fleeing vessel.
Suspect Arrest and Charges
Law enforcement agencies mobilized quickly following the description of the suspect and the boat provided by witnesses. Approximately 30 minutes after the shooting began, the United States Coast Guard spotted an individual matching the suspect's description loading a boat at a public boat ramp in nearby Oak Island.
The Coast Guard detained the individual without further incident and transferred custody to local police. The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Nigel Edge.
Investigators subsequently charged Edge with multiple serious offenses, including three counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and discharging a firearm into an occupied property. Court proceedings and legal preparations moved forward through the local judicial system as prosecutors compiled evidence regarding the weapons recovered during the arrest.
Victims and Community Impact
The shooting claimed the lives of three individuals and left six others with varying injuries. The victims included both local residents and visitors who had traveled to the coastal town for the weekend.
The deceased victims were identified by authorities as:
- Joy Rogers, 64, of Southport, North Carolina
- Solomon Banjo, 36, of Charlottesville, Virginia
- Michael Durbin, 56, of Galena, Ohio
Six other people sustained injuries during the attack, requiring hospital treatment. Victims were transported to regional medical facilities for emergency care, with injuries ranging from acute trauma to critical conditions. Within a week of the incident, the final hospitalized victims were discharged as they began their physical recoveries.
The local community rallied in the days following the tragedy, organizing vigils and offering support services for witnesses, victims' families, and first responders. Local officials emphasized the resilience of Southport, a town widely known for its tight-knit community and tourism appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Southport NC shooting happen?
The shooting took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT.
Where did the incident take place?
The attack occurred at the American Fish Company, an open-air bar situated in the Yacht Basin area of Southport, North Carolina.
Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
Nigel Edge, a 40-year-old individual, was detained by the U.S. Coast Guard in Oak Island shortly after the incident and handed over to local law enforcement. He faces multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder.
How many people were injured or killed?
Three people lost their lives in the attack, and six others sustained injuries that required medical treatment. All injured victims survived and were later released from hospital care.
Where can I find official public safety updates?
For verified updates regarding legal proceedings and local safety policies, you can check announcements from the North Carolina Judicial Branch or local municipal news channels. Additional historical context on regional public safety can be found via the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
