A humpback whale that had been stranded near the Baltic Sea island of Poel for approximately three weeks managed to swim free on Monday morning. Livestream footage captured the marine mammal swimming in the waters of the bay close to shore, accompanied by inflatable boats carrying rescue team members. The further development of the situation remained uncertain at the time.
"But the mission is not over yet," the minister said on site to journalists. The priority now is to guide the whale toward the deeper shipping channel. The rescue initiative and authorities are prepared for this, he emphasized. Six boats from the rescue organization DLRG are on site, as well as the water protection police. Additional boats have already been requested.
The whale has been wandering off the Baltic Sea coast since early March. It has beached itself multiple times off the coasts of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, most recently running aground near Poel off Wismar. A privately-funded initiative backed by entrepreneurs had been preparing a rescue operation for several days, which would have involved lifting the animal using a system of air cushions and pontoons and towing it to the North Sea or Atlantic Ocean.
The condition and survival chances of the animal remain unclear. The State Environment Ministry and specialists consulted by the ministry concluded that the animal is in very poor condition and likely severely ill or even dying. Multiple strandings are considered in expert circles as a sign of massive difficulties.
All active efforts regarding the animal had already been suspended. Last week, the State Environment Ministry decided to tolerate one possible final rescue attempt by the privately-funded initiative backed by entrepreneurs. The responsibility lies solely with the initiative, though authorities are monitoring the measures.
The initiative remains responsible, Backhaus emphasized on Monday. However, it is receiving "complete assistance" from the authorities. He said he has also informed authorities in the neighboring state of Schleswig-Holstein about the development so they can take over if necessary. Parallel to preparations for the lifting operation, a "Plan B" had always been considered in case the animal moved on its own again.
Rising water levels occurred along the Baltic Sea coast on Monday. There had already been speculation beforehand that this could help the animal. In recent days, helpers from the initiative had flushed away seabed around the stranded whale. This was intended to serve as preparation for the planned lifting operation. A tugboat for the pontoons was already standing by.
The further development remained initially unclear. According to Backhaus, the helpers on the accompanying boats already managed to turn the whale, which was swimming further into the bay, so that it heads toward the deeper shipping channel and Wismar Bay. The priority now is to accompany the animal, the minister said. This represents an "opportunity."
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
