News Summary
A female dolphin known as Lucky was rescued from a lagoon in Bluffton, South Carolina, after becoming stranded due to heavy rains and high tides. Measuring nearly 8 feet long, she was successfully transported back to the May River with the help of local fire crews and the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork in marine rescue operations and the need for public awareness regarding the protection of marine mammals. Authorities urge the public to report stranded dolphins to avoid legal consequences.
Bluffton, South Carolina – A female dolphin, nicknamed Lucky, was successfully rescued from a lagoon in the Hampton Lake Community after becoming stranded during a series of heavy rains and high tides. Measuring 7 feet 10 inches long and weighing between 400-500 pounds, Lucky was trapped in shallow waters of just 2 to 3 feet deep when the tide receded.
Lucky is known to researchers at the University of South Carolina Beaufort due to her unique markings, which have allowed her to be tracked over the years. It is believed that she entered the lagoon through a culvert connected to the May River, following adverse weather conditions on Thursday.
The rescue operation began on Saturday when a concerned passerby spotted Lucky in distress and reached out to a neighbor knowledgeable in wildlife response. This neighbor then notified the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), which is federally authorized to respond to marine mammal situations in South Carolina. LMMN received the alert for assistance at 12:15 p.m.
A team from Charleston was deployed shortly thereafter, comprising Executive Director Lauren Rust and volunteers Amber Kuehn, Tracy Kowalczyk, and John Kane. Recognizing that the effort required additional manpower, the LMMN team contacted the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) for support at approximately 3:45 p.m.
BTFD’s Rescue 335 unit responded promptly, sending a crew trained in technical water rescue, part of South Carolina Regional Response Team 4. The crew attempted to corral Lucky using a specially designed marine rescue tarp, but initially, she swam further into the lagoon. After regrouping and coordinating their efforts, the team successfully guided her onto the tarpaulin.
The rescue team then faced the challenge of transporting Lucky, carrying her approximately 75 yards through shallow water and up a steep embankment. Once on solid ground, Lucky was placed onto a utility trailer provided by volunteer Amber Kuehn and was escorted under fire department supervision to a dock located in May River Plantation, about 2-3 miles away.
Lucky was finally released back into the deeper waters of the May River just before 6:00 p.m., marking the successful conclusion of the operation. The entire rescue process was documented through video and photographs, which have been shared on BTFD’s social media platforms and website.
This operation demonstrated the importance of teamwork and collaboration among different agencies and community members. The personnel involved from the BTFD included Lt. Jeffrey Smith, Senior Firefighter Dave Adams, and Rescue 335 crew members Brandon Driscoll, Tony Crosetto, and Aaron Angel.
In light of this event, authorities have issued a public safety reminder concerning the response to distressed dolphins and marine mammals. Individuals encountering such situations are urged not to approach the animals directly and to call 911. Federal law protects marine mammals, and attempting to assist on one’s own could result in significant fines and legal consequences.
The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network emphasizes the importance of reporting stranded or injured marine mammals to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Stranding Hotline at 1-800-922-5431. They advise keeping a safe distance from stranded dolphins to avoid penalties of up to $100,000, which could be imposed for disturbing marine wildlife.
As an additional note, community members are encouraged to participate in cleaning up trash and marine debris in local environments to help protect wildlife and their habitats. This incident serves as a reminder of the vital roles that both citizens and local organizations play in marine life conservation efforts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Lucky the Dolphin Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon
Successful Rescue of Stranded Bottlenose Dolphin in Bluffton
Oregon Man Completes Epic Sailing Journey with Cat
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Dolphin Named Lucky Rescued in Bluffton Lagoon
- Wikipedia: Dolphin
- Island Packet: Dolphin Rescue in Bluffton
- Google Search: Dolphin rescue Bluffton
- Explore Beaufort SC: Dolphin Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon
- Google Scholar: Dolphin rescue efforts
- ABC7 Chicago: Lucky the Dolphin Rescued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dolphin
- UPI: Bluffton Dolphin Rescue
- Google News: Bluffton dolphin rescue
- Live 5 News: Rescue Crews Save Lucky the Dolphin
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College 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 Beaufort 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.
