Stranded dolphin saved off the coast of Hilton Head. How did he get stuck there?
A stranded dolphin stuck in Hilton Head Island waters was rescued Saturday morning after Lowcountry marine officials were alerted and saved him.
Klaus, an adult male dolphin spanning approximately 7 ft. and 10 inches, was found stranded near the Port Royal Sound estuarine system on the north end of Hilton Head Island Saturday morning, according to the nonprofit Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network.
Klaus, who is known to local researchers from the University of South Carolina Beaufort, was reported stranded by community members, LMMN said on Facebook. He likely became trapped in a tidal pool because of shifting sands and tidal conditions, leaving him to be isolated between sandbars as water levels receded.
After LMMN staff, trained volunteers and regional partners responded, Klaus was stabilized, refloated and “observed swimming away from shore,” LMMN said.
“We are also especially grateful to the local community members who quickly reported Klaus’ stranding, helping ensure responders could arrive as quickly as possible,” the group wrote on Facebook.
What to do if you find a stranded dolphin or whale
Community members who encounter a stranded dolphin or whale are asked to not attempt to push the animal back into the water. Instead, people should maintain a safe distance and contact trained responders immediately, LMMN said.
To report a stranded marine mammal in South Carolina, call the Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline: 800-922-5431.