Dolphin Named Lucky Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon

News Summary

A dolphin named Lucky was rescued from a shallow lagoon in Bluffton after becoming stranded. Weighing between 400 to 500 pounds, Lucky swam into the tidal lagoon and was unable to escape as the tide receded. A local wildlife responder alerted the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, which coordinated a rescue operation involving firefighters. After several attempts, the team successfully guided Lucky onto a tarp and transported her back to deeper waters in the May River, showcasing community collaboration and the importance of wildlife response efforts.

Bluffton, SC – A dolphin named Lucky has been successfully rescued from a shallow lagoon in Bluffton after becoming stranded Saturday morning. The approximately 8-foot-long dolphin, weighing between 400 to 500 pounds, was found trapped in a tidal lagoon inside the Hampton Lake private community.

Local officials and marine experts described Lucky’s rescue as a remarkable event. It is believed that she swam into the lagoon through a culvert connected to the May River during heavy rainfall the previous Thursday. As the tide receded, Lucky became stuck in water that was only two to three feet deep.

A passerby first discovered Lucky and promptly alerted a neighbor who specializes in wildlife response. This neighbor quickly contacted the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), which received the call around 12:15 p.m. and dispatched a rescue team from Charleston.

Upon arrival, the LMMN team realized they required further assistance to successfully save the stranded dolphin. They reached out to the Bluffton Township Fire District at approximately 3:45 p.m. for support. Trained firefighters from the Bluffton Fire Department arrived at the scene just after 4 p.m.

Using a specialized marine rescue tarp attached to stabilizing poles, the team attempted to corral Lucky, though initially, she swam further into the lagoon. Eventually, they were able to guide her onto the tarp, and the team carried her approximately 75 yards through shallow water and up a steep embankment.

Lucky was then placed on a utility trailer for transporting her to a nearby private dock, where she was released back into deeper water in the May River just before 6 p.m.

Lucky, identified as a year-round resident of the May River due to her distinct dorsal fin, has been tracked by researchers at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort, where it was noted that she has had three calves. Fortunately, she did not have a calf with her during this incident, which could have complicated the rescue as it might have followed her into the drainage ditch.

The successful rescue highlighted the importance of community efforts and collaboration. The Bluffton Fire Department has urged residents to call 911 if they see a marine mammal in distress. They emphasized that approaching these animals can pose risks to both the marine mammals and to individuals attempting to provide assistance.

The LMMN operates under federal authorization as part of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, allowing them to handle situations involving marine mammals. The teamwork displayed during the rescue operation demonstrates how local communities can rally together to address environmental concerns.

Residents interested in wildlife response are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of marine mammals in distress to ensure swift action can be taken when necessary.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet
• Wikipedia: Dolphins
• WTOC
• Google Search: Dolphin Rescue
• WJCL
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Mammal
• WSAV
• Google Scholar: Marine Mammal Rescue