A humpback whale, nicknamed Timmy, stranded near Wismar, Germany, remains in critical condition, prompting a privately funded rescue attempt.
Humpback’s Condition and Continued Stranding
The humpback whale, which became stranded near Wismar in northern Germany, survived another night. Environmental Minister Till Backhaus reported the mammal is breathing relatively regularly, every two to five minutes, but is “very sick.”
Private Rescue Initiative Launched
With state services halting further action, a new rescue operation, scheduled for Thursday, will be conducted through private initiative. Co-organizers include MediaMarkt co-founder Walter Gunz and equestrian sports entrepreneur Karin Walter-Mommert. Gunz stated the whale would die without intervention, and any attempt offers a chance of survival.
Rescue Plan Details
The plan involves placing air cushions under the animal and gently lifting it after removing sediment from beneath its body. The humpback will then be placed on a tarp stretched between two pontoons and transported to a safer location.
Humpback Migration and Behavior
Aleksander Gurgul explains the extraordinary efforts of humpbacks, which travel vast distances across oceans annually.
Criticism of the Rescue Operation
The private rescue effort, approved by the regional environment ministry, has faced criticism from some experts. Assessments from the German Maritime Museum in Stralsund and the Institute for Inland and Coastal Water Research (ITAW) indicate a very low chance of survival and a high risk of injury. Greenpeace also opposes the rescue attempt, citing the whale’s illness and weakness, and critical voices dominate German media social channels, though opinions are divided.
Rejected Prior Proposals
Walter Gunz previously proposed improving the animal’s condition with antibiotics and digging a channel in the seabed, allowing the whale to reach deeper water. This plan, presented to authorities on April 10th, was rejected due to concerns about additional stress and the risk of re-stranding.
Timmy’s History and Public Interest
The fate of the humpback, named Timmy, is being closely followed by the public across Germany. The animal was first spotted stranded off Timmendorfer Strand on the night of March 22nd-23rd. It was freed on March 26th with the help of excavators, but later re-stranded in a bay near the island of Poel, north of Wismar.
Increasing Whale Sightings in the Baltic Sea
Whale sightings, including humpbacks, are becoming more frequent in the Baltic Sea. Experts emphasize that the Baltic is not a suitable environment due to its shallow waters, low salinity, and limited food supply. Human activity also poses a threat.