Dolphin found dead along Folly River after possible propeller strikes

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A dolphin was found dead along the Folly River with injuries that appeared to be associated with a boat strike.

Leaders with the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network said its team responded on Labor Day to multiple calls regarding a deceased dolphin on the riverbank.

The nonprofit, dedicated to raising awareness and education about South Carolina marine mammals, said the dolphin was brought back to a lab where a necropsy was performed. They said a motor burn and several propeller cuts were seen on its back.

“Based on these findings and no other significant health issues, we suspect this animal met its fate on the busy holiday weekend,” the organization said in a post online.

Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network shared a photo of the dolphin’s injuries on its Facebook page to remind boaters they should be aware of animals who share the waterways.

“While we can assume dolphins are fast and agile, they still rest and breath at the surface making them vulnerable to fast boats, especially on weekends when we know there was a higher than usual number of boats on the water,” said LMMN. “While we don’t know what happened, this was likely an accident but still a reminder to be vigilant when boating- wear polarized glasses, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and slow down during busy times on the water- for everyone’s safety.”

The nonprofit said that if you are on the water and a dolphin approaches you, put the boat in neutral until the animal passes. And if you are observing the dolphin, keep a 150-foot distance when possible.

LMMN said additional samples were collected from the dolphin to help the nonprofit better understand the animal’s health.