Rescuers to use air cushions in latest effort to save stranded whale

Whale Stuck on Sandbank After Weeks in Baltic Sea

A humpback whale, named Timmy by local media, has been trapped in a shallow coastal area near the island of Poel for several weeks. Initially spotted in the Baltic Sea at the start of March, far from its usual habitat, the animal is now in critical condition. Officials revealed plans to employ air cushions—a technique resembling inflatable arm bands—to lift the weakened mammal from the seabed and onto a tarp connected to a tugboat.

State Calls Approach “Minimally Invasive,” But Experts Warn of Risks

The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania framed the operation as a “minimally invasive” method, yet wildlife specialists pointed to earlier failed attempts as evidence of the peril involved. They assessed the whale’s survival odds as minimal. However, environment minister Till Backhaus noted a new evaluation suggested a less intrusive strategy. The air cushions aim to gently guide the whale back into open water, potentially along Denmark’s coast and into the North Sea, with possible further movement toward the Atlantic.

Whale’s Condition and Stranding Mystery

Despite being alive, the whale is severely weakened, according to state officials. Backhaus remarked, “The prognosis remains critical. But a chance of survival cannot be completely ruled out,” justifying the latest effort. The creature is believed to have become entangled in fishing netting before becoming stranded on a sandbank, compounded by a skin condition linked to the Baltic Sea’s reduced salinity.

Previous Attempts and Public Reaction

Earlier efforts, including excavator use to create a path for the whale, failed to move it toward the North Sea as it drifted into shallower waters. Greenpeace Germany, which participated in prior rescues, opposes the current plan, citing the whale’s poor health. Experts from the German Oceanographic Museum and Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research highlighted visible skin detachments and presumed internal injuries from prolonged pressure. They also noted possible contact with a ship propeller and fishing net.

Public Engagement and Safety Measures

The whale’s situation has drawn global attention, alongside concerns from authorities about online misinformation. A 67-year-old woman attempted to reach the animal by leaping from a boat over the weekend, as reported by the Associated Press. Backhaus acknowledged the emotional support, stating, “The outpouring of sympathy shows how deeply the animal’s fate moves people,” while urging respect for emergency teams and adherence to protective zones.

Unanswered Questions About the Stranding

The exact circumstances of the whale’s journey into the Baltic Sea remain unclear. Officials are investigating how it navigated the region, which is far from its natural range. The operation represents a bold move to rescue the creature, balancing hope with the risks of intervention.