A rescue team successfully released a humpback whale from a barge in the North Sea on Saturday, ending the mammal's months-long ordeal after it became stranded in shallow waters near Germany. The whale, nicknamed Timmy by German media, had been spotted near Germany's Baltic Sea coast on March 3, far from its natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean.
The animal's health deteriorated as it repeatedly stranded near the coastal city of Wismar. Despite global livestreams of failed coaxing attempts, a private initiative proposed transporting the whale by barge. Environment Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania approved the plan despite scientific concerns.
Jens Schwarck of the private initiative confirmed the whale was released around 9 a.m. local time, approximately 70 kilometers (45 miles) off the coast of Skagen, Denmark, according to German news agency dpa. Drone footage showed a whale swimming and spouting water near the barge, though it was not immediately confirmed to be Timmy.
A debate had emerged between letting the whale die peacefully or attempting rescue. Activists protested on Wismar beach for its liberation, while others supported transport ideas. Some scientists believed the whale sought shallow waters due to weakness, but veterinarians deemed it fit for transport. A GPS transmitter was attached to track its future location.
It remains unclear why Timmy entered the Baltic Sea. Experts suggest it may have lost its way while following herring or during migration. The whale suffered from a skin condition caused by low salt content, and rescuers applied zinc ointment. Local media provided extensive coverage, including livestreams and push alerts on its health.
