Germany revises plan to rescue whale fighting for survival in Baltic Sea

German state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Environment Minister Till Backhaus has said they have suspended plans for an active rescue operation for a stranded humpback whale off the coast and are now reconsidering it.

The 12-metre male humpback whale, nicknamed “Timmi” by the media, has remained in shallow waters near the island of Poel, close to Wismar, for several weeks, Caliber.Az reports, citing DPA.

A previous proposal to lift the animal using air cushions and transport it on pontoons has now been deemed unsuitable.

Authorities say a new strategy will be developed in cooperation with a private initiative and scientists, taking into account the animal’s condition.

Experts from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have recommended a cautious approach, avoiding aggressive intervention.

Instead of attempting to physically move the whale, officials are considering measures to improve conditions at the site, including altering the seabed to reduce pressure on the animal’s body and regularly wetting its skin to protect it from sunlight.

The whale has been in Wismar Bay since late March, periodically running aground in different areas of the Baltic Sea coast.

Authorities stress that the animal’s welfare remains the top priority, with veterinarians and specialists continuing to work at the site.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov