SOUTHPORT, N.C. — The small coastal town of Southport, North Carolina, is still reeling after a horrific shooting at the Southport Yacht Basin on Saturday night that left three people dead and eight others injured. The gunman, firing from a boat on the Cape Fear River, unleashed chaos on diners at the American Fish Company, a beloved waterfront restaurant.
While officials have not yet released the shooter’s name, public attention has turned toward Nigel Max Edge, a man also known as Sean William DeBevoise, a former U.S. Marine whose past is now under scrutiny as investigators piece together the events of the attack.
A Peaceful Night Shattered
Just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday, as visitors and locals gathered at the bustling restaurant overlooking the marina, gunfire erupted from the water. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and terror as bullets struck the open-air venue.
“People started screaming and diving under tables,” one witness recalled. “It felt like the gunfire was coming out of nowhere, echoing off the water.”
When the shooting stopped, three people had been killed and eight more were injured. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some in critical condition.
The Boat and the Escape Toward Oak Island
The shooter fled by water. Officials confirmed the suspect’s vessel sped away via the Intracoastal Waterway, heading toward Oak Island.
Not long after, a photo surfaced online showing a boat at the 55th Street boat launch on Oak Island. Internet users quickly matched the railing in the background to a nearby apartment complex listed on Google Maps, fueling speculation that the shooter may have abandoned the vessel there.
Police have since acknowledged that they are reviewing the photo and said a person of interest has been detained for questioning.
Who Is the Suspect?
Much of the public’s attention has focused on Nigel Max Edge, believed to be the adopted identity of Sean William DeBevoise. DeBevoise reportedly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after the September 11th attacks and served several years before returning to civilian life.
At some point after his service, he began using the name Nigel Max Edge. Though officials have not yet confirmed his role in the Southport shooting, his name has circulated widely online, raising questions about his past, his state of mind, and whether his military experience shaped his actions.
For now, authorities have stressed that he is a person of interest under investigation — not yet an officially charged suspect.
Authorities Tight-Lipped
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, along with Southport Police, the FBI, and the ATF, are jointly investigating the case. Officials have been cautious about releasing information, emphasizing that the situation is still developing.
“We understand the public’s desire for answers,” a public information officer said. “But we want to make sure what we release is accurate and verified. Our priority right now is the safety of this community and justice for the victims.”
A Community in Grief
Southport, about 20 miles south of Wilmington, is known for its charming marinas, small-town feel, and scenic views of the Cape Fear River. Residents say the shooting feels surreal in a place where violent crime is rare.
By Sunday morning, flowers and candles had been placed outside the American Fish Company. Locals gathered in quiet reflection, some hugging, others wiping away tears.
“This isn’t who we are,” said longtime resident Karen Matthews. “Southport is about community, family, and peace by the water. We will not let this tragedy define us.”
The Questions Ahead
As investigators work to confirm whether Nigel Max Edge, the former Marine, is indeed the man behind the attack, the community is left with haunting questions:
- Was this a targeted attack or a random act of violence?
- What led the shooter to open fire from the water?
- And most urgently, will Southport ever feel safe again?
For now, the answers remain unclear. What is certain is that three lives have been lost, families are grieving, and a close-knit waterfront town is forever changed.
Leave a Reply