‘Heartbreaking’: Dolphin likely died from a boat strike along Folly River

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Crews with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network responded to a call about a dolphin that appeared to be dead earlier this week.

When the team arrived on the Folly Beach River, they transported the dolphin to Folly Beach Boat Landing.

Executive Director, Lauren Rust, said they ran a necropsy, which is like an autopsy for animals.

“So, we wanted to determine if this was the reason the animal died or it was, you know maybe hit after it had already died, and based on the placement of the propeller marks, we felt that this was the reason the animal died,” Rust said.

Rust said because of the holiday weekend, they were expecting scenarios like this one.

The injuries on this dolphin followed along her upside, which is one of the reasons why Rust and her team believe her death is from a boat or propeller strike.

Regulations on dolphins are federal, so there are no state requirements, only recommendations.

Community member and environmental advocate, Vanessa Oltmann suggests modifications.

“Know your area, know what you’re coming to. I know you’re coming for maybe the Midwest and don’t know a creature that’s OK, ask we’ll be glad to share. But I also think it is really important if it was into the manuals for the test you take, for you to know about the different creatures we have.” Oltmann said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric istration suggests boaters stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins.

Rust said she knows it’s difficult to spot dolphins, so wearing polarized glasses can help see the creatures at the surface. She also suggested slowing down and trying your best not to feed the dolphins because it could create a chain reaction.

“Just view dolphins from a distance, we see a lot of problems not only in animals getting hit but also a lot of dolphins that have all scars that have been hurt--people wanting to touch them and feed them which brings them closer to the boat so just generally, with all wildlife is just as you from a distance,” Rust said.

Oltmann compares a boat to a car that still needs to be operated safely.

She also said with dolphins and other animals coming up to the surface for air or for rest, it can be easy to cross paths.

“Please something respect the locals, and that is a marine and wildlife,” Oltmann said.

If you do come across any dead marine life, please go here to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network.

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