A dolphin known as “Lucky” is back in open water after a dramatic rescue Saturday that brought together marine mammal experts, firefighters, and local residents in Bluffton, South Carolina.
The nearly 8-foot-long female dolphin, familiar to University of South Carolina Beaufort researchers who track area dolphins, was discovered stranded in a shallow tidal lagoon in the Hampton Lake community on July 12. Recognized by her distinctive markings, Lucky is believed to have swum into the lagoon through a culvert from the May River during high tides and heavy rains earlier in the week. When the tide receded, she became trapped in water just two to three feet deep.
A passerby noticed the dolphin in distress and alerted a neighbor who contacted the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), the federally authorized responder for marine mammal strandings in South Carolina. LMMN received the call at 12:15 p.m. and deployed a team from Charleston, including Executive Director Lauren Rust, Tracy Kowalczyk, John Kane, and Bluffton-based volunteer Amber Kuehn.
Once on scene, responders assessed the situation and called the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) for assistance around 3:45 p.m. Rescue 335 arrived shortly after 4 p.m. with firefighters trained in technical water rescues through South Carolina Regional Response Team 4.
Working together with residents Michael Smith and Thomas Layer, the team used a marine rescue tarp with stabilizing poles to corral the 400–500-pound dolphin. Lucky initially resisted efforts, swimming deeper into the lagoon, but the team regrouped and eventually secured her. They carried her about 75 yards through shallow water and up a steep embankment to a waiting utility trailer provided by Kuehn.
A video shared by Bluffton Township Fire District shows rescuers securing Lucky in a tarp litter and wading through shallow waters to carry her an awaiting vehicle for transport. Under fire department escort, Lucky was transported two to three miles to a private dock in May River Plantation, where she was successfully released into deeper water just before 6:00 p.m.
“This was a textbook example of interagency teamwork and calm under pressure,” said LMMN Executive Director Lauren Rust. “From our trained responders to the Bluffton firefighters and helpful community members, everyone played a vital role in ensuring Luckys safe return home.”
BTFDs response included Lt. Jeffrey Smith serving as Incident Commander, Senior Firefighter Dave Adams as Battalion Aide, and Rescue 335 crew members Brandon Driscoll, Tony Crosetto, and Aaron Angel.
Officials are reminding the public that dolphins and other marine mammals are protected under federal law, and only authorized organizations may respond to strandings. Anyone who sees a stranded or injured marine mammal should immediately call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Stranding Hotline at 1-800-922-5431 and avoid approaching the animal.
