Watch: Stranded dolphin rescued from South Carolina lagoon after heavy rains
Crews in South Carolina rescued a stranded dolphin after heavy rains in the area last week. (Credit: Bluffton Township Fire District)
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."
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release by the Bluffton Township Fire District and statements from the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN). This story was reported from Los Angeles.