July 15, 2025

Successful Rescue of Stranded Bottlenose Dolphin in Bluffton

News Summary

A bottlenose dolphin named Lucky was rescued from a shallow lagoon in Bluffton after becoming stranded. Community members and local authorities collaborated for a successful operation. Firefighters assisted in guiding the dolphin back to safety, highlighting the importance of marine mammal rescue efforts. Lucky was identified as a resident of the area, and her case underscores the environmental challenges faced by marine life. The public has been urged to report any marine mammal in distress to ensure their safety.

Bluffton, SC – An 8-foot bottlenose dolphin named Lucky was successfully rescued from a shallow tidal lagoon in the Bluffton-area Hampton Lake community on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Lucky, who weighs between 400 and 500 pounds, became stranded as water levels receded in the lagoon, which typically has only 2 to 3 feet of water depth.

Lucky was discovered in distress around 10:30 a.m. by a passerby, who alerted a neighbor. This neighbor subsequently contacted the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) for assistance. The LMMN received the distress call at approximately 12:15 p.m. and mobilized a rescue team from Charleston to address the situation.

Upon assessing the scenario, Amber Kuehn, a local sea turtle expert and volunteer with LMMN, recognized the need for additional assistance to effectively rescue the dolphin. She reached out to the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) for more manpower around 3:45 p.m. This marked the first time the Bluffton Fire Department engaged in a rescue operation of this nature.

Firefighters, trained in technical water rescues, arrived on the scene shortly after 4 p.m. Their initial strategy involved attempting to corral Lucky using a specialized marine rescue tarp. At first, Lucky swam deeper into the lagoon, but the rescuers managed to successfully guide her onto the tarp.

The rescue team transported Lucky approximately 75 yards through the shallow water and up a steep embankment. To facilitate her safe return to the water, they placed her onto a utility trailer. Around 6 p.m., she was released into the deeper waters of the May River.

Lucky was identified by her unique dorsal fin markings, confirming her status as a year-round resident of the river. Researchers from the University of South Carolina-Beaufort had tracked her activity, noting that she has had three calves during her time in the area. Luckily for Lucky, she was alone at the time of her stranding, which meant that no calf could have followed her into the drainage ditch.

The successful rescue highlighted the essential collaboration between community members and local authorities during marine mammal rescue efforts. The Bluffton fire department has urged the public to call 911 if they encounter a marine mammal in distress. They emphasized that only authorized personnel should respond to these urgent situations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.

This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges marine life can face due to changing environmental conditions, including the risks posed by storms and rising tides. Lucky’s case underscores the continuous need for awareness and preparedness in protecting local wildlife.