"Lucky" the Dolphin Rescued from Stranding in South Carolina

A dolphin named "Lucky" recently stranded in a lagoon in South Carolina, USA, but fortunately was rescued in time by rescue personnel. The dolphin truly lived up to her name.

According to a press release issued on July 14 by the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) of South Carolina, the 238 cm-long female dolphin was found stranded in a shallow lagoon within the Hampton Lake community. Researchers from the University of South Carolina, who track dolphins, identified her by unique markings on her body.

It is believed that Lucky swam into the lagoon through a culvert connected to the May River during heavy rain and high tide on July 10. As the tide receded, she became trapped in shallow water just 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) deep.

A passerby noticed her stranded in the lagoon and contacted a neighbor experienced in wildlife rescue, who then notified the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN). This organization, authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, is responsible for handling marine mammals in the South Carolina area. It is illegal to handle marine mammals without authorization.

LMMN was informed around noon on July 12 and immediately dispatched a rescue team to the site. Upon arrival, they assessed that additional help was needed to safely transport Lucky and contacted the BTFD. Firefighters from BTFD joined the LMMN rescue team and local residents to guide Lucky onto a specially designed rescue tarp. They then carried her across the shallow water and climbed a steep embankment, covering about 75 yards (69 meters).

Weighing between 400 and 500 pounds (181 to 227 kilograms), moving Lucky was no easy task. Afterwards, escorted by firefighters, she was transported by trailer to a private dock 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8 kilometers) away. Before 6 p.m., Lucky was released back into deeper waters of the May River.

Lauren Rust, Executive Director of LMMN, said, "This is a model of interagency teamwork and staying calm under pressure. From our trained rescue personnel to Bluffton firefighters and helpful community members, everyone played a crucial role in ensuring Lucky's safe return home."

Important Advisory on Marine Mammal Safety

The department reminds the public that if you encounter dolphins or other marine mammals that may be in distress, do not approach or attempt to provide assistance. Please call 911 immediately.

Marine mammals are protected under federal law, and only authorized organizations such as the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) are permitted to respond to stranding incidents. Even well-intentioned interventions can jeopardize the safety of both humans and animals.

LMMN also urges the public to follow important guidelines to protect dolphins and other marine mammals: report stranded or injured animals, avoid approaching or harassing them, keep a safe distance, do not feed them, and help by cleaning up litter.