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3h ago

Stranded Humpback ‘Timmy’ Towed Through Danish Waters Toward the North Sea

The transport follows weeks of failed rescues despite warnings from marine scientists.

Image
A barge, expected to transport a stranded humpback whale from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, arrives off the Island of Poel, near Wismar, Germany, April 27, 2026. REUTERS/Oliver Denzer
Helpers stand next to a stranded humpback whale preparing to get transported by a barge, depending on whether the whale will get onto it, as rescue efforts through a private initiative continue, in the shallow waters off the Baltic Sea on the Island of Poel, near Wismar, Germany, April 28, 2026. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Overview

  • The barge carrying the juvenile humpback entered Danish waters Wednesday and is being towed toward the North Sea with arrival expected in about two days, according to local officials and ship tracking data.
  • Rescuers on Tuesday guided the whale into a specially converted, water‑filled barge after dredging a channel and using straps with divers in a carefully staged loading operation.
  • State environment minister Till Backhaus authorized the move after veterinarians judged the animal fit for transport, and two multimillionaire donors, including one linked to MediaMarkt, are financing the mission.
  • Marine experts and organizations, including the International Whaling Commission and Greenpeace scientists, say the whale appears severely compromised and warn the journey could cause further stress with slim chances of long‑term survival.
  • The Baltic’s low salt content can harm ocean‑dwelling whales by causing skin lesions and stress, and veterinarians plan to reassess the animal in the North Sea before any release into open water.