In a heartwarming rescue operation, a dolphin named “Lucky” stranded in a lagoon in South Carolina, United States, was successfully saved by rescue workers just in time. Truly living up to her name as “Lucky”.
The Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD), located in the town of Bluffton, South Carolina, reported in a press release on July 14 that this 238-cm long female dolphin was found stranded in a shallow lagoon within the Hampton Lake community.
Identified by her unique markings, researchers from the University of South Carolina tracked and confirmed her identity.
It is believed that during a storm on July 10 and high tide, she swam into the lagoon through a culvert connecting to the May River. As the tide receded, she found herself trapped in shallow waters only 2 to 3 feet deep.
A passerby noticed her stranded in the lagoon and contacted a neighbor familiar with wildlife rescue. The neighbor then notified the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN).
The organization, authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding and Response Program, is responsible for handling marine mammals in the South Carolina area. Unauthorized handling of marine mammals is illegal.
On July 12, LMMN received the notification around noon and promptly dispatched a rescue team to the scene. Upon arrival, they assessed that they needed additional assistance to safely transport “Lucky” and reached out to BTFD.
Firefighters from BTFD collaborated with the LMMN rescue team and local residents to guide “Lucky” onto a specially designed rescue waterproof tarp, then carried her through the shallow waters, up a steep embankment, covering a distance of about 75 yards (69 meters).
With a weight ranging from 400 to 500 pounds (181 to 227 kilograms), it was no easy feat to lift her.
Subsequently, under the escort of firefighters, “Lucky” was transported by trailer to a private dock 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8 kilometers) away. Before 6 p.m., this dolphin was released back into the deeper waters of the May River.
Lauren Rust, Executive Director of LMMN, stated: “This is a paradigm of interdepartmental teamwork and composure under pressure. From our well-trained rescue personnel to the firefighters in Bluffton, to the helpful community members, everyone played a crucial role in ensuring the safe return home of ‘Lucky’.”
BTFD shared images of the rescue operation on social media.
The department reminded the public that if they come across a dolphin or any other marine mammal in distress, do not approach or attempt to provide aid. Please call 911 immediately. Marine mammals are federally protected, and only authorized agencies like LMMN can respond to stranding events. Even well-intentioned interventions may endanger both human and animal safety.
LMMN also urges the public to follow principles such as reporting stranded or injured marine mammals, maintaining distance, avoiding feeding or disturbing them, and cleaning up garbage to protect dolphins and other marine mammals.