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WATCH: Boozy boaters unleash wild riverfront brawl as fists fly at popular South Carolina sandbar

Shocking video shows dozens brawling in knee-deep water at South Carolina's Congaree River as Calhoun County sheriff says alcohol fueled the violence.

Published June 19, 2026, 8:57 PM
Updated June 19, 2026, 9:46 PM2.1K
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WATCH: Boozy boaters unleash wild riverfront brawl as fists fly at popular South Carolina sandbar

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A popular South Carolina river hangout erupted into chaos when a massive brawl broke out, with shocking video showing dozens of people crowding around as punches flew and fighters grappled in the water.

Videos from the June 6 incident at the 601 Sand Bar on the Congaree River in Calhoun County show multiple fights breaking out simultaneously while large crowds gathered to watch.

In one video, several people can be seen throwing punches while others attempt to separate those involved. Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones.

The violent confrontation has now led to six arrests and a continuing investigation by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.

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People appear to grapple and exchange blows during a large fight at a South Carolina river sandbar

People appear to exchange punches during a fight at the 601 Sand Bar. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

Investigators previously told WIS-TV that more than 20 people were involved in the fight and that at least three people suffered injuries ranging from swollen eyes to head injuries.

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"The injuries were severe," Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers told the outlet.

Authorities have not publicly identified what sparked the violence, but Summers said alcohol was a factor and that deputies identified numerous cases of underage drinking.

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A large crowd surrounds a fight at the 601 Sand Bar on the Congaree River in South Carolina

A crowd gathers around a fight at South Carolina's 601 Sand Bar. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

"To see that many people swinging, fighting, it could have been really, really bad and I'm sure there are injuries that we haven't heard about. That's just the nature of that type of beast," Summers told WIS.

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"The water and drinking don't mix," he added. "It could be a family setting. Obviously, this would not be a good place to take your children if you wanted to because of things like this."

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The fight occurred during the annual Sparkleberry Duck Run, an event that draws boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to the Congaree River each year, according to WIS.

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  • south-carolina-river-brawl-arrest-brendan-bonds.jpg

    Brendan Bonds was among six people arrested after a massive fight at the 601 Sand Bar on the Congaree River, authorities said. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

  • south-carolina-river-brawl-arrest-hunter-dalzell.jpg

    Hunter Dalzell was arrested in connection with the June 6 riverfront brawl, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

  • south-carolina-river-brawl-arrest-lucas-scott.jpg

    Lucas Scott was arrested following the June 6 brawl at the 601 Sand Bar, authorities said. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

  • south-carolina-river-brawl-arrest-edward-scott.jpg

    Edward Scott was among six suspects arrested after a massive fight at a popular South Carolina river sandbar. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

  • south-carolina-river-brawl-arrest-austin-mizzell.jpg

    Austin Mizzell was among those arrested after a massive fight at the 601 Sand Bar. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

  • south-carolina-river-brawl-arrest-taylor-knudson.jpg

    Taylor Knudson was one of six people arrested following the June 6 riverfront brawl. (Calhoun County Sheriff's Office)

According to the sheriff's office, six people have been arrested in connection with the brawl. Authorities identified the suspects as Brendan Bonds, Hunter Dalzell, Lucas Scott, Edward Scott, Austin Mizzell and Taylor Knudson. The suspects face various assault and breach-of-peace charges stemming from the incident.

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The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected as detectives continue reviewing video and information submitted by the public.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office for additional comment.

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In announcing the arrests, Summers said authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators.

"This kind of behavior will not be tolerated," the sheriff said.

Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.

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