News Summary
A female dolphin named ‘Lucky’ was successfully rescued from a lagoon in Bluffton, S.C., after becoming stranded due to environmental events. Researchers from the University of South Carolina Beaufort monitored her situation and coordinated with local wildlife response teams, leading to a successful release back into the May River. This incident highlights the importance of community involvement and ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation.
Bluffton, S.C. – Stranded Dolphin ‘Lucky’ Rescued from Lagoon
A female dolphin, approximately 7 feet 10 inches long and weighing between 400 to 500 pounds, was rescued after being stranded in a lagoon within the Hampton Lake Community. The dolphin, identified as “Lucky” due to her distinctive markings, had been tracked by researchers from the University of South Carolina Beaufort, who monitor local dolphin populations.
Lucky became trapped in the lagoon after swimming through a culvert connected to the May River during storms and high tides on Thursday. As the tide receded, the waters in the lagoon became shallow, leaving Lucky stranded in just 2 to 3 feet of water.
A passerby noticed the distressed dolphin and quickly alerted a neighbor experienced in wildlife response. This neighbor reached out to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) for assistance. LMMN received the report at approximately 12:15 p.m. and dispatched a response team from Charleston to address the situation.
Rescue Operations
Upon arriving at the scene, LMMN determined they required additional support, prompting them to contact the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) around 3:45 p.m. Firefighters trained in technical water rescues responded shortly after 4 p.m. to aid in the rescue operation.
The rescue team attempted to corral Lucky using a marine rescue tarp equipped with stabilizing poles. Initially, Lucky swam away to deeper sections of the lagoon, making the operation more challenging. However, through the coordinated efforts of the rescue personnel, Lucky was eventually guided onto the tarp.
The rescue team then transported Lucky approximately 75 yards through the shallow waters and up an embankment. After reaching a utility trailer, Lucky was safely transported to a private dock in May River Plantation, just a few miles from the lagoon.
Successful Release into Deeper Waters
Lucky was finally released into the deeper waters of the May River just before 6 p.m., marking a successful outcome to a tense day for the local community and those involved in the rescue efforts.
Context of the Incident
The incident occurred following a series of environmental events, including unprecedented drought conditions in the previous summer, compounded by significant flooding the fall before. While these events have affected the local ecosystem, efforts to understand and mitigate their impacts continue.
Additionally, the report briefly mentions the threat of ticks as a health issue in the wider context of wildlife management, emphasizing the need to address public health concerns alongside environmental challenges.
As local organizations and researchers continue to monitor and protect marine wildlife, Lucky’s rescue serves as a reminder of the dedication involved in wildlife conservation efforts and the importance of community involvement in aiding stranded marine animals.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Dolphin Named ‘Lucky’ Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon
- Wikipedia: Dolphins
- ABC7 Chicago: Lucky Dolphin Rescued
- Google Search: Dolphin Rescue
- Explore Beaufort SC: Dolphin Rescued from Bluffton Lagoon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Mammal
- Live 5 News: Rescue Crews Work Together to Save Lucky
- Google News: Dolphin Lucky Rescue
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
