Rescue Plan Using Air Cushions
Rescuers are preparing to use air cushions in a renewed effort to free a humpback whale that has been stranded off Germany's northern coast for several weeks.
The whale, affectionately named Timmy by local media, was initially spotted in the Baltic Sea—an area far from its typical habitat—at the beginning of March. It remains trapped in a shallow coastal region near the island of Poel.
A private company intends to refloat the injured whale by lifting it from the sea floor by its flippers onto a tarp connected to a tugboat, according to officials.
Approach and Risks
The state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has described this method as "minimally invasive." However, wildlife experts have cautioned that any intervention carries significant risks, especially given that previous rescue attempts have been unsuccessful.
Experts had previously assessed the whale's chances of survival as very low. Nonetheless, Till Backhaus, the environment minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, stated that a reassessment identified a less intrusive approach.
The air cushions, similar in design to inflatable arm bands, will be used to gently pull the weakened whale back to the surface. Once afloat, the whale can be towed along Denmark's coastline into the North Sea and potentially further into the Atlantic Ocean.
Current Condition and Prognosis
The state government reported that the whale is still exhibiting signs of life but remains severely weakened.
"The prognosis remains critical. But a chance of survival cannot be completely ruled out," Backhaus said.
"Against this background, it is justifiable to allow this attempt, and I thank the initiative for it."
Authorities had previously indicated that it might be more humane to let the "majestic animal go in peace."
Public Reaction and Protective Measures
The whale's situation has drawn international media attention, alongside warnings from the state government about the spread of "wild conspiracy theories and misinformation" online.
An exclusion zone has been established around the whale to protect it and the rescue efforts.
Over the weekend, a 67-year-old woman reportedly jumped off a boat to approach the whale but was stopped by authorities, according to the Associated Press.
"The outpouring of sympathy shows how deeply the animal's fate moves people," Backhaus said. "At the same time, I ask that you respect the work of the emergency services and adhere to the existing protective measures."
Cause of Stranding and Previous Rescue Attempts
It is believed that the whale became entangled in fishing netting before eventually becoming stranded on a sandbank. The animal is also suffering from a skin condition attributed to the lower salt levels in the Baltic Sea.
Rescuers previously used excavators to dig a channel to enable the whale to swim free. However, attempts to guide it toward the North Sea were unsuccessful as the whale moved toward shallower waters.
Expert Opinions and Health Assessment
Greenpeace Germany, which has participated in earlier rescue operations, has expressed opposition to the latest attempt, citing concerns about the whale's deteriorated health.
Wildlife specialists from the German Oceanographic Museum and the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research have reported that the whale is severely injured, with visible skin detachments.
They believe the whale has sustained significant internal injuries, likely caused by the pressure of its own body weight on its organs over several days.
The experts also noted that the injuries indicate contact with a ship propeller and fishing netting.
Uncertainty Over Whale's Presence in Baltic Sea
How the whale entered the Baltic Sea remains unclear.
