German officials have authorized a new rescue attempt for a humpback whale stranded off the Baltic Sea coast for over a month. The 13-metre (40ft) whale, named Timmy by local media, has been stuck on a sandbank near Lübeck, far from its natural habitat, since 23 March.
After initial rescue efforts failed, two entrepreneurs funded a plan to load the whale onto a special barge and transport it to deeper waters. Till Backhaus, environment minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, stated that two veterinarians examined the whale and deemed it fit for transport. Rescuers in diving suits were seen near the whale off the island of Poel, with the barge nearby.
The whale freed itself several times but became stuck again. At the start of April, officials gave up hope, but public outcry persuaded them to allow the entrepreneurs' rescue plan. Some scientists criticize the decision, citing risks and low success chances. Backhaus emphasized his priority is the whale's rescue, saying he is doing everything possible to help.
The saga has sparked media frenzy, with continuous coverage from TV, online outlets, and social media influencers, also leading to disputes and conspiracy theories.
