A female bottlenose dolphin, affectionately known as “Lucky,” has successfully returned to the May River following a coordinated rescue effort on July 12, 2023. The operation was led by the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN), the Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD), and supported by local residents from Bluffton. Lucky was found stranded in a shallow tidal lagoon within the Hampton Lake community, where she became trapped due to receding water levels after a period of heavy rain.
Recognized by her distinct markings, Lucky is part of a monitored dolphin population studied by researchers at the University of South Carolina Bluffton. It is believed that she entered the lagoon through a culvert during high tide, only to become trapped as the water levels dropped. A local resident spotted the distressed dolphin and promptly alerted neighbors. One of them reached out to LMMN, which is the federally authorized organization responsible for marine mammal strandings in South Carolina.
Upon receiving the call shortly after noon, LMMN deployed a team from Charleston, including Executive Director Lauren Rust, stranding responders Tracy Kowalczyk and John Kane, along with volunteer Amber Kuehn. Arriving on the scene, the team quickly assessed the situation and requested assistance from BTFD to ensure the safe handling and transport of the dolphin, which measures approximately 7 feet 10 inches and weighs between 400-500 pounds.
Rescue 335 from BTFD responded around 16:00 with trained firefighters specializing in technical water rescues. Working in conjunction with local residents Michael Smith and Thomas Layer, the responders guided Lucky onto a custom marine rescue tarp. Together, they carefully transported her nearly 75 yards through shallow water and up a steep embankment. Following this, Lucky was placed on a utility trailer and escorted by fire personnel to a private dock located approximately two to three miles away. She was released into deeper waters of the May River just before 18:00.
“This was a true team effort,” stated Rust. “From our trained stranding responders and Bluffton’s incredible firefighters to the residents who lent their support, everyone played a key role in giving Lucky a second chance.”
The successful rescue highlights the collaborative efforts of local organizations and community members in protecting marine life. LMMN reminds the public that marine mammals are protected under federal law. It is illegal to touch, feed, or attempt to move a stranded dolphin, and only trained personnel are authorized to respond to such incidents.
To assist marine mammals, LMMN encourages the public to report stranded, sick, or deceased marine mammals by calling 1-800-922-5431. Additionally, they advise maintaining a distance of 50 yards by boat and 15 yards by land, never feeding or touching wild dolphins, and cleaning up trash and fishing gear to prevent harm to marine life.
For those interested in supporting LMMN’s stranding response program or learning more about marine conservation, visit www.lmmn.org.
