Cherry Grove, NC, October 13, 2025

News Summary

A shrimping crew escaped a catastrophic explosion of their vessel, the Lori Ann, off the coast of Cherry Grove, North Carolina. The incident occurred when the trawler caught fire due to an engine malfunction, prompting the crew to evacuate just moments before the explosion. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The community has rallied to support the crew, especially Quinton Holden, who lost his uninsured trawler valued at $100,000. A GoFundMe campaign has raised significant funds to help the family in this challenging time.

Cherry Grove, NC: Shrimping Crew Survives Boat Explosion

On October 6, 2025, a shrimping crew experienced a terrifying incident off the coast of Cherry Grove, North Carolina, when their 48-foot trawler, the Lori Ann, caught fire and exploded. Quinton Holden, a fourth-generation shrimper, his cousin Roddy Holden, and friend Ron Richard were onboard the vessel when the incident occurred.

The fire erupted around 4 p.m., approximately one mile off the shore. Quinton Holden first noticed the smell of smoke and quickly checked the engine, discovering smoke and plumes coming from the compartment. In the ensuing chaos, Ron Richard attempted to grab a fire extinguisher, but the flames spread too quickly. The crew managed to jump off the trawler just seconds before it exploded, and fortunately, no injuries were reported during this alarming event.

In an urgent response to the fire, North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue arrived on the scene to find smoke billowing from the trawler. Multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, aided in bringing the men back to safety on personal watercraft. The crew’s successful escape highlighted both their quick thinking and the effectiveness of the emergency services on duty.

Quinton Holden, who had recently purchased the Lori Ann for $100,000, suffered significant losses in the fire. The vessel was uninsured due to high insurance costs, leaving Quinton with nearly none of his belongings intact, except for his cell phone. In light of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign initiated by family friend Wayne Mooney has raised over $28,000 to support Quinton and his family during this challenging time.

Amidst the turmoil, Kayla Holden, Quinton’s wife, received an accidental call from him during the emergency, which she described as chaotic, with sounds of flames and the mention of the Coast Guard coming through the line. At the time, she was in a Chick-fil-A drive-thru, and the unexpected call only added to the distress of the situation.

The local community has rallied around Quinton and his family, with Kayla emphasizing the sense of togetherness they feel, stating that “out here, we’re all family.” Despite the trauma of the incident, the crew is determined to remain in the shrimping business and continue their livelihoods.

Looking forward, Quinton and Kayla Holden still dream of taking their three-month-old son, Wayne, out on a boat in the future, reflecting their commitment to their family and aspirations despite the recent events. They remain grateful for their lives and recognize the importance of family after this harrowing experience.

Background Context

Quinton Holden is known as a fourth-generation shrimper with a deep connection to the shrimping industry. The fire aboard the Lori Ann disrupted not only the life of the crew but also touched many lives in their close-knit community. The recent fundraising to support Quinton and his family demonstrates the strong bonds and support systems present in Cherry Grove.

Key Incident Details

• Date: October 6, 2025
• Location: Approximately one mile off Cherry Grove Beach, NC
• Vessel: Lori Ann, 48-foot trawler
• Estimated loss of trawler: $100,000 (uninsured)
• Fundraising Amount Raised: Over $28,000

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: North Myrtle Beach Boat Fire Crew Survived
• Wikipedia: Boat Fire
• MyFOX8: North Carolina Family Loses Shrimp Boat
• Google Search: Shrimp Boat Fire Incident
• CBS News: Shrimp Boat Fire Explosion
• Google Scholar: Boat Fire Emergency Response
• WBTV: South Carolina News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire
• WBTW: North Myrtle Beach Boat Fire Survivors
• Google News: North Myrtle Beach Boat Fire

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.