A humpback whale that captivated Germany after becoming stranded in the Baltic Sea has been freed following a 76-hour rescue mission funded by two millionaires. The 10-metre-long male, nicknamed Timmy, was first spotted near Timmendorfer Strand last month and had repeatedly beached itself before being refloated with human help.
The rescue operation, dubbed Operation Cushion, involved sliding air cushions under the whale to lift it onto a tarpaulin tethered between two pontoons. The animal was then towed by tugboat into the North Sea and released into deeper waters. The mission was financed by electronics retailer founder Walter Gunz and equestrian event organiser Karin Walter-Mommert after state-sponsored efforts were suspended.
Critics, including Greenpeace, had argued the whale's chances of survival were vanishingly low due to wounds, a skin infection, and the Baltic's low salinity. However, regional environment minister Till Backhaus supported the rescue, calling it a 'unique' opportunity. Germany's president Frank-Walter Steinmeier also met veterinary experts to discuss the whale's plight.
The whale's struggle had drawn widespread public attention, with local media providing live coverage. Rescuers reported that Timmy showed signs of life throughout the operation, and the successful release was confirmed on Thursday.
