A humpback whale stranded in shallow bays off Germany's Baltic coast has become stuck for a third time, with experts warning its condition is deteriorating. The roughly 10-metre-long mammal, first spotted on 3 March, is weak and sick, and its prognosis is poor, according to marine scientist Burkard Baschek.
The whale, nicknamed Timmy, has been the focus of a nationwide rescue effort. It freed itself from a sandbank on Friday and was escorted by a flotilla towards the Atlantic, but became trapped again on Saturday and Sunday. Its breathing frequency has dropped, and it no longer reacts to nearby vessels.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's environment minister Till Backhaus said a 500-metre restricted area was established to let the whale rest. However, experts note that humpbacks are not native to the Baltic, and the young male may have followed fish or been disoriented by submarine noise. The whale must navigate narrow straits and travel about 310 miles to reach safety.
Stephanie Gross from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover noted the animal's significantly reduced activity. Baschek added that even if it frees itself again, the chances of success are slim. The whale's plight has captivated the German public, with news alerts and rescue efforts widely covered.
