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Timmy the Humpback Is Under Tow to the North Sea on a Special Barge

An untested, privately financed tow will reveal if the month‑stranded whale can recover after release.

Overview

  • Timmy, which left the German coast early Wednesday on a 50‑meter floating dock, is now being towed through Danish waters toward the North Sea.
  • Rescuers guided the 12‑ton humpback through a dredged 110‑meter channel into a water‑filled barge, in a plan paid for by Walter Gunz and Karin Walter‑Mommert.
  • State veterinarians cleared the transport after checks showed strong breathing, a normal blowhole and a steady heart, though the whale has a net‑caused mouth wound, mild conjunctivitis and skin lesions.
  • The tow handled by the tugs Robin Hood and Fortuna B could take several days through the busy Fehmarn Belt, and ship‑tracking sites show the route in real time.
  • Officials had said in early April that letting the whale die was the least harmful option, then later cleared this private attempt after daily checks showed some stability.