News Summary
A female bottlenose dolphin named Lucky was successfully rescued after becoming stranded in a shallow lagoon in Bluffton. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network received assistance from local residents and firefighters, who worked together to safely return Lucky to deeper waters. This incident emphasizes community involvement in marine wildlife protection and the importance of reporting distressed animals to authorities.
South Carolina – A female bottlenose dolphin named “Lucky” was successfully rescued last Saturday after becoming stranded in a shallow lagoon in Bluffton, South Carolina. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) was alerted to Lucky’s distress by a local resident who provided video footage confirming the situation was legitimate.
The footage showed the dolphin trapped in a residential area, far from any open water, following a period of excessive rainfall and unusually high tides. As the waters receded, Lucky found herself stuck in just 2-3 feet of water, hindered by shallow banks and debris from fallen trees.
Upon receiving the call shortly after noon, LMMN quickly mobilized a response team from Charleston. The team included Executive Director Lauren Rust, stranding responders Tracy Kowalczyk and John Kane, along with volunteer Amber Kuehn. The Bluffton Township Fire District also joined the rescue effort to ensure that the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Initial assessments showed that Lucky measured approximately 7 feet, 10 inches long and weighed between 400-500 pounds. The rescue involved careful handling as the responders used a marine rescue tarp to guide the dolphin onto it, which was no easy feat given her size and weight. The team then carried Lucky approximately 75 feet through the shallow lagoon and up an embankment.
Once safely out of the lagoon, a health evaluation conducted on-site determined that Lucky was alert and in good condition. She was subsequently transported to a private dock in May River Plantation for her release into deeper waters. Upon being released, Lucky immediately swam away, marking a successful conclusion to the rescue operation.
This incident highlighted the importance of community involvement, as residents played a crucial role in notifying the authorities about Lucky’s predicament. It also demonstrated the effective teamwork between LMMN staff, local firefighters, and the residents of Bluffton in ensuring the dolphin’s safe return to her natural habitat.
It is vital for the public to report any sightings of distressed marine mammals to the appropriate authorities. Bottlenose dolphins, like Lucky, are protected under federal law, and unauthorized interventions can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $100,000. Individuals are strongly advised not to approach or attempt to help stranded marine mammals without the proper authorization to ensure their safety and the safety of the animals.
The rescue operation was documented and shared by the Bluffton Township Fire District on social media, ensuring that community members could see the collaborative efforts involved in saving Lucky. This incident serves as a reminder of the relationship between humans and marine wildlife, emphasizing the shared responsibility in protecting the environment and its inhabitants.
Community education and awareness are essential in maintaining the safety of marine mammals. Reports of any distressed marine mammals should be directed to the proper channels to facilitate timely and effective responses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WTOC: Dolphin Named Lucky Rescued in Bluffton Lagoon
- Island Packet: Local News on Dolphin Rescue
- MSN: Rescue Crews Work to Save Lucky the Dolphin
- Wikipedia: Bottlenose Dolphin
- UPI: Bluffton Dolphin Rescue – Lucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dolphin
- WTVR: Lucky the Dolphin Rescued
- Google Search: Dolphin Rescue Bluffton
- Live 5 News: Rescue Efforts for Lucky
- Google News: Lucky Dolphin Bluffton Rescue

Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood 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 Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.