News Summary
A female dolphin, known as ‘Lucky’, was successfully rescued after being stranded in a lagoon in Bluffton, S.C. Weighing between 400-500 pounds, she was trapped due to heavy rainstorms. Thanks to the efforts of local wildlife authorities and the Bluffton Township Fire District, Lucky was safely transported back to deeper waters in the May River. This unprecedented rescue reflects the community’s commitment to marine wildlife protection.
Bluffton, S.C. – A female dolphin, approximately 7 feet, 10 inches long and weighing between 400-500 pounds, was successfully rescued after being stranded in a lagoon within the Hampton Lake Community in Bluffton, South Carolina. Rescued on Saturday, the dolphin known as “Lucky” was identified by researchers from the University of South Carolina Beaufort due to her distinctive markings.
Authorities believe that Lucky became trapped in the lagoon after heavy rainstorms on Thursday caused her to enter through a culvert that connects to the May River. As the tides receded, the dolphin was left confined to shallow waters, which measured only 2 to 3 feet deep.
A passerby discovered Lucky in distress around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and promptly notified a neighbor who was familiar with wildlife response. The neighbor subsequently contacted the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) for assistance. The LMMN received the call around 12:15 p.m. and dispatched a team from Charleston to the scene.
Upon reaching the lagoon, the LMMN team recognized the need for further assistance and reached out to the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) around 3:45 p.m. Firefighters, trained in technical water rescues, arrived shortly after 4 p.m. and attempted to corral Lucky using a specialized marine rescue tarp equipped with stabilizing poles. Although Lucky initially swam deeper into the lagoon, the rescue team was able to guide her onto the tarp successfully.
The rescue team worked diligently to carry Lucky approximately 75 yards through shallow waters and up onto an embankment, after which she was placed on a utility trailer. The dolphin was then transported to a private dock in May River Plantation, located a few miles away from the lagoon. Lucky was finally released into deeper waters of the May River around 6 p.m.
This type of rescue was unprecedented for the authorities involved; BTFD stated it was their first experience with a situation of this nature. Local marine experts contributed to the success of the rescue effort, reflecting the community’s dedication to wildlife care. It was noted that Lucky, a year-round resident of the May River, has had three calves during her time being tracked by researchers, but fortunately did not have a calf that could have also entered the drainage ditch.
The event has prompted local wildlife authorities to remind residents to call 911 if they come across a marine mammal in distress and to refrain from approaching the animal. This is crucial for the safety of both the marine mammals and individuals. The public is also encouraged to follow guidelines set by the LMMN, which include reporting stranded animals to the SCDNR Wildlife Stranding Hotline, maintaining a safe distance from marine mammals, and avoiding any attempts to aid distressed marine mammals without prior authorization.
The LMMN is a federally authorized organization permitted to handle marine mammals, and any unauthorized interaction with these animals is illegal. The community’s proactive response in rescuing Lucky demonstrates a collective commitment to marine wildlife protection and highlights the importance of awareness and education regarding local marine ecosystems.
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Additional Resources
- Firehouse: Dolphin Rescued by Bluffton, SC Swims Free Again
- Wikipedia: Dolphin
- Island Packet: Dolphin Rescue in Bluffton
- Google Search: Dolphin Rescue Bluffton
- Live 5 News: Rescue Crews Work Together to Rescue Dolphin Named Lucky
- Google Scholar: Dolphin Rescue Techniques
- WJCL: South Carolina Bluffton Dolphin Rescue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dolphins
- WTOC: Dolphin Named Lucky Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon
- Google News: Dolphin Lucky Rescue
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.
