Watch: Stranded dolphin rescued from South Carolina lagoon after heavy rains

BLUFFTON, S.C. – First responders are used to rescuing people and animals, but in South Carolina, they were shocked when they were called to rescue a stranded dolphin. 

The Bluffton Township Fire District said the dolphin, named “Lucky,” was found stranded in a shallow tidal lagoon inside the Hampton Lake community over the weekend.

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The female dolphin is measured at 7 feet, 10 inches, weighing between 400–500 pounds, and is known to researchers at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), where they track dolphins in the area. 

Dig deeper:

Crews believe Lucky swam in the lagoon through a culvert connecting to the May River during last week’s heavy rains and high tides.

They believe once the waters receded, Lucky became trapped in shallow waters just 2–3 feet deep.

A passerby spotted the distressed mammal and contacted a neighbor who then alerted the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. 

A rescue team was deployed from Charleston, South Carolina, including firefighters trained in water rescue. 

They were able to corral the dolphin using a specially designed marine rescue tarp with stabilizing poles. Lucky was eventually safely guided onto the tarp. 

The dolphin was released into deeper waters. 

What they’re saying:

“This was a textbook example of interagency teamwork and calm under pressure,” Lauren Rust, Executive Director of LMMN, said in a news release. “From our trained responders to the Bluffton firefighters and helpful community members, everyone played a vital role in ensuring Lucky’s safe return home.”