Overview
- The humpback that lay stuck near the island of Poel swam free Monday morning during higher water, was escorted by DLRG and police boats, then stopped again on a shallow patch near the exit of the Kirchsee.
- Officials said the whale did not appear fully aground and might be resting, with livestreams showing it near channel markers after a three to five kilometer move.
- The privately funded lift‑and‑tow plan using a net between pontoons and a tug did not proceed after the self‑release disrupted setup work that had included suctioning sediment.
- Falling water levels forecast for later Monday could trap more of the whale’s weight on the sand, which marine biologists warn can crush internal organs and adds urgency to moving it.
- Scientists and NGOs describe the animal as weak and disoriented and say more handling and engine noise could harm it, while the state continues to monitor, escort with DLRG boats, and consider fitting a GPS tag if conditions allow.