Humpback Whale Re-stranded Near Wismar After Recent Rescue

Two days after being freed from a sandbank in the Bay of Wismar, a humpback whale was found re-stranded off Germany’s coast, according to a statement from Greenpeace. The marine mammal, which had been trapped for several days along the Baltic Sea, became lodged again on a sandbank near the northern city of Lübeck, near the Timmendorfer Strand resort.

“This is the same whale previously seen in the region, likely a young male on migration,” said a Greenpeace representative. “It’s possible the animal is returning to the area for food or is affected by underwater noise.”

The initial incident occurred early Monday, drawing media attention. Marine conservationists from Sea Shepherd noted the whale’s behavior might align with a young male exploring new routes. Despite multiple efforts to free the 12- to 15-meter whale, rescuers struggled until Thursday, when a floating excavator was deployed to carve a path around the creature. That night, the whale managed to swim back into deeper waters.

Environmental groups had anticipated the possibility of the whale encountering difficulties again. They warned that its movement toward shallow areas could lead to another stranding. On Saturday, the animal was spotted on a sandbank in the Bay of Wismar, approximately 40 kilometers east of Timmendorfer Strand, confirming these fears.

Authorities believe the whale might have been caught in a fishing net earlier this month, as it was previously freed from such a trap in the port of Wismar. However, the reason for its repeated entrapment remains unclear. Experts who examined the whale during its earlier stranding suggested it may be unwell, though no definitive cause has been identified.

Humpback whales are not naturally found in the Baltic Sea. Scientists explain that these animals often venture into the region in search of food, following fish populations. Additionally, underwater noise from human activities can disrupt their navigation, contributing to incidents like this.