News Summary
A female bottlenose dolphin named ‘Lucky’ was successfully rescued after becoming stranded in a shallow lagoon in Bluffton. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network coordinated the rescue with local volunteers and fire department support, highlighting the importance of community involvement in marine conservation efforts.
Bluffton, South Carolina
A female bottlenose dolphin, known as “Lucky,” was successfully rescued last Saturday after becoming stranded in a shallow lagoon in the Hampton Lake community of Bluffton, South Carolina. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) was alerted to the situation following reports and video footage provided by a concerned resident, which confirmed that the dolphin was stuck far from open water.
Lucky became trapped during a period marked by excessive rainfall and unusually high tides, which led to her entrapment in water measuring only 2-3 feet deep. The dolphin, approximately 7 feet long and weighing between 400-500 pounds, is a year-round resident of the May River and is regularly monitored by researchers from the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
After receiving the call just after noon, the LMMN dispatched a rescue team from Charleston, which included Executive Director Lauren Rust, responders Tracy Kowalczyk and John Kane, and volunteer Amber Kuehn. They were supported by the Bluffton Township Fire District, ensuring a safe and efficient rescue operation.
Challenges Encountered During the Rescue
Upon arrival at the lagoon, the rescue team assessed Lucky’s condition and noted the challenges posed by the difficult terrain. The rescue required carefully guiding the dolphin onto a marine rescue tarp. Initially, the team faced significant challenges as Lucky swam away from the tarp, complicating the effort to safely transport her out of danger.
After persistent efforts, Lucky was finally guided onto the tarp, allowing responders to carefully lift her out of the lagoon. The team then carried the dolphin approximately 75 feet up a steep embankment to a waiting trailer. Following a brief health evaluation, it was determined that Lucky was alert and in good condition for her transport back to the May River.
Return to Freedom
After being transported to a secluded dock in May River Plantation, Lucky was released back into the river, where she swam away vigorously and headed back to her pod. This successful operation highlighted the effective teamwork of local residents, LMMN staff, volunteers, and the Bluffton Fire Department.
Background of the Incident
This unusual incident was a unique situation that had never before been witnessed by local officials. Experts believe that Lucky likely entered the lagoon through a culvert from the May River during the preceding heavy rains, which created the conditions for her entrapment.
The Bluffton Fire Department emphasized the critical importance of notifying authorities in similar circumstances, advising the public against attempting to assist marine animals directly, as doing so could pose risks for both the animals and individuals involved.
Lucky has previously had three calves; however, she was alone during the time of her rescue, which alleviated concerns regarding her offspring potentially following her into danger.
The collaborative rescue operation serves as a reminder of the responsibility community members share in protecting marine life while highlighting the expertise of organizations like the LMMN in responding to emergencies involving marine mammals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Dolphin Named Lucky Rescued from Shallow Lagoon
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
- Google Search: Dolphin rescue Bluffton Lucky
- UPI: Bluffton, South Carolina Dolphin Rescue Lucky
- Wikipedia: Bottlenose Dolphin
- World Animal News: Lucky the Dolphin Rescued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dolphin
- ABC7 Chicago: Animal Rescue Lucky Dolphin
- Google News: Dolphin rescue Lucky
- MSN: Rescue Crews Work Together to Rescue Dolphin Named Lucky
- Explore Beaufort SC: Dolphin Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon
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.
