Three killed in sail-by shooting after gunman opens fire on waterfront bar

Three people have been shot dead after a gunman fired indiscriminately at a crowded waterfront bar from a small boat.

At least eight other victims were wounded in the shooting at American FishCompany in Southport, a coastal town in North Carolina at 9.30pm on Saturday.

Investigators said the gunman steered a small boat close to shore, stopped briefly and fired into the crowd before speeding away into the dark water.

30 minutes later, a coastguard crew spotted a person matching the suspect’s description pulling a boat from the water at a ramp on nearby Oak Island.

The suspect was arrested and turned over to Southport police for interrogation.

Authorities have not identified the suspect or said what might have led to the attack at American Fish Company.

Investigators from multiple agencies — including the State Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard — remained on the water and at the scene Sunday collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Officials did not immediately release the names of those killed or provide information on the conditions of those who were wounded.