German rescuers have successfully moved a stranded humpback whale, nicknamed 'Timmy,' onto a special barge designed to transport it to deeper waters. The whale had been beached for weeks off the Baltic coast near Lübeck, far from its natural habitat.
The intricate rescue operation, financed by two entrepreneurs, involved digging a channel in the sand to allow the whale to reach the barge. After being guided into the vessel, which is equipped with a water-filled hold, the whale sped up, sparking cheers from the rescue team and shore observers.
Plans are now underway to transport the barge to the North Sea, where 'Timmy' will be released if deemed strong enough. A netting will be used to secure the barge entrance during transport.
The mission received approval from Till Backhaus, environment minister for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, after veterinary assessments confirmed the whale was fit for transport. The whale's ordeal began on March 23rd, and it had become stranded multiple times despite initial rescue attempts.
Officials had previously considered abandoning the rescue but reversed their decision following public outcry, leading to the entrepreneurs' intervention. While some scientists and activists expressed concerns about the risks to the whale, the rescue team remains optimistic about the outcome.