Rescuers move stranded humpback whale onto transport barge in Baltic Sea operation

A humpback whale stranded in the Baltic Sea has been successfully guided onto a transport barge in a complex rescue operation aimed at moving the animal toward deeper waters in the North Sea, German authorities and rescuers said.

The whale, nicknamed Timmy in German media, was coaxed into the floating vessel after volunteers used straps to guide it during the operation, which was streamed live. The barge, typically used to transport ships, will carry the animal on a journey expected to take several days, dpa reports.

Regional Environment Minister Till Backhaus said at the port of Kirchdorf: “I’m truly relieved,” adding, “I was even on the verge of jumping into the water to help him over the last few metres.” He also admitted to crying while watching the rescue unfold.

Following the transfer, volunteers involved in the operation embraced at the harbour, with emotional scenes reported as crowds applauded the effort.

“We never gave up hope,” said a bystander.

The transport is expected to begin later in the evening, depending on sea conditions, with officials saying calmer waters are needed for the journey.

However, marine experts have warned against the relocation attempt. Researchers from a maritime museum said the whale’s condition had deteriorated and that survival prospects remained low, while also warning of significant risks during transport.

Animal welfare groups, including the Whale and Dolphin Conservation organisation, said confinement could cause severe stress and potentially trigger life-threatening conditions such as capture myopathy.

“In the wild, whales are not accustomed to situations where they are confined,” the organisation said, adding that the situation could lead to fear, panic, or the appearance of passivity due to exhaustion.

The whale has been stranded multiple times in the region over the past weeks, first seen in early March and later appearing in several shallow-water areas along Germany’s northern coast, including near Wismar and Timmendorfer Strand.

Experts believe the young animal, estimated to be between four and six years old, may have repeatedly entered shallow waters in search of rest due to poor health, spending more than half of the past 50 days in low-depth areas.

By Sabina Mammadli