Southport is the kind of town where people go to forget the rest of the world exists. It’s quiet. It’s coastal. It’s a place of moss-draped oaks and slow-moving water. But on the night of September 27, 2025, that peace didn't just break; it shattered. People were at the American Fish Company, a popular bar right on the water at 150 Yacht Basin Drive, listening to live music and holding cold drinks. Then the gunfire started coming from the water.
This wasn't a typical street crime. The Southport Yacht Basin shooting involved a gunman on a boat, a high-powered rifle, and a level of premeditation that has left this North Carolina community reeling months later. Honestly, it feels like something out of a movie, which is ironic considering how many films are actually shot in this town. But there were no cameras here—just real people caught in an ambush.
The Night Everything Changed in the Yacht Basin
It was around 9:30 p.m. A boat slipped up the Cape Fear River and anchored right in front of the bar. For a moment, it probably looked like just another local enjoying the music from the water. But then the occupant opened fire.
The weapon used was a .300 Blackout short-barrelled SIG Sauer MCX Rattler rifle equipped with a suppressor. That's a specific, tactical choice. It’s meant for precision and staying quiet, though in a crowded bar, the sound of lead hitting wood and glass is impossible to miss. Three people died that night. Six others were wounded. The shooter didn't hang around to see the carnage; he unanchored and sped west toward the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Victims of the Shooting
We shouldn't just talk about the shooter. The people who lost their lives were members of families who are still trying to figure out how a Saturday night ended in a morgue.
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- Joy Rogers, 64, was a local from Southport. She was there with her husband.
- Solomon Banjo, 36, had traveled all the way from Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Michael Durbin, 56, was visiting from Galena, Ohio.
It’s a heavy mix of locals and vacationers. That’s Southport for you—a blend of people who live there and people who wish they did. The injured victims came from all over too, including New York and Illinois. One was even in cardiac arrest when first responders arrived.
Who is Nigel Max Edge?
The man police arrested is Nigel Max Edge, 40. He also went by the name Sean DeBevoise. This is where the story gets even more complicated and, frankly, tragic. Edge is a veteran Marine and a former sniper. He served in Iraq and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) back in 2006.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring has stated that Edge identified himself as a combat veteran struggling with PTSD. Now, does that explain an ambush on a bar? No. But it adds a layer of complexity to the "why." District Attorney Jon David has called the attack "highly premeditated." This wasn't a heat-of-the-moment bar fight. It was an operation.
The Arrest at Oak Island
The U.S. Coast Guard played a massive role here. About thirty minutes after the first shots, they spotted a guy matching the shooter's description. He was at a public boat ramp at NE 55th Street in Oak Island, just loading his boat onto a trailer like it was a normal day of fishing.
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They detained him right there. Along with the rifle, authorities found a .45-caliber Kimber M1911 and other handguns. He’s currently being held without bond, facing three counts of first-degree murder and a laundry list of attempted murder and assault charges.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tragedy
When a "mass shooting" happens in a small town, the rumor mill goes into overdrive. People want to believe it was a random act of madness. But the investigation into the Southport Yacht Basin shooting suggests something different.
- It wasn't a "random" location. Chief Coring believes the American Fish Company was a targeted location. Why? That’s what the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) is still digging into.
- The "Silent" Weaponry. Because he used a suppressed .300 Blackout, some people on the far end of the deck didn't even realize what was happening at first. They thought it was fireworks or equipment failure. That confusion gave the shooter more time.
- The Response Time. Police were on the scene in four minutes. That is incredibly fast. Officers were literally applying tourniquets while the boat was still visible in the distance.
Why This Still Matters for Southport
Southport is a town of about 4,000 people. When something this violent happens, it changes the DNA of the place. The American Fish Company closed indefinitely after the event. The Frying Pan, another local staple, did the same for a while.
The community held an emotional board of aldermen meeting where leaders basically pleaded for the town not to be defined by this one night. But it’s hard. You walk down to the Yacht Basin now, and you can't help but look at the water differently. You wonder if every boat coming in is just a fisherman or something else.
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Legal Path Ahead
District Attorney Jon David is looking at the death penalty. In North Carolina, that’s a long, arduous process. There’s a review committee that looks at the facts to make sure they aren't acting on pure emotion, though emotion is all anyone has right now. The defense will almost certainly lean heavily on Edge's TBI and PTSD history. It’s going to be a messy, painful trial.
Lessons and Safety for Coastal Visitors
If you're visiting Southport or any waterfront town, this event changed how local security works. You'll notice more patrols on the water now.
- Be Aware of "The Gap": Most bars focus security on the front door. This shooting showed that the "water side" is a massive security gap.
- Know Your Exits: In a place like American Fish Company, the only way out for many was back toward the land.
- Support the Locals: The best way to help Southport heal isn't to avoid it. It’s to go there. Buy a meal. Tip the servers. The town is grieving, but they are still there.
The investigation is active. If you were there on September 26 or 27, 2025, and have photos or video, the Southport Police still want to hear from you at 910-457-7911. Every little bit of digital evidence helps build the timeline for the prosecution.
For those looking to support the families, local vigils and memorial funds have been established through the City of Southport's official channels. Helping the victims' families navigate the medical bills and funeral costs is the most practical thing anyone can do right now.
Next Steps for Information:
Check the Brunswick County Courthouse schedule for the next hearing dates for Nigel Max Edge. Following the official City of Southport Facebook page remains the most reliable way to get real-time updates on the trial and any changes to Yacht Basin security protocols.