A high-stakes rescue operation is underway for a 12-ton humpback whale, known as “Timmy” or “Hope,” which remains stranded in the shallow waters off the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea. A private initiative, led by millionaire Walter Gunz, is currently implementing a complex plan to move the 12-meter-long animal to the North Sea.
The Rescue Strategy: Channels and Barges
The rescue team has focused on modifying the environment to facilitate the whale’s departure. This includes the creation of a 110-meter-long, two-meter-deep dredged channel designed to lead the whale from its current position into deeper water.
To prevent the animal from drifting further into the shallow zone during rising tides, helpers have deployed approximately 40 sand-filled “Big Bags” as a seabed barrier. These measures are intended to guide the whale toward a waiting transport vessel.
A specialized barge, measuring 50 meters in length and 13 meters in width with a 400-ton capacity, is tasked with the final transport. The vessel is expected to arrive in Wismar by Monday, with the actual transport operation potentially starting between Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29.
Medical Interventions and Technical Hurdles
Medical care for the weakened animal is being coordinated between the initiative’s veterinarian, Dr. Kirsten Tönnies, and the Ministry of the Environment. Plans include using an endoscope to provide the whale with fish, fluids, and vitamins, as well as attempting a blood sample from the fin.
While the whale is breathing regularly, officials note it has lost weight and suffers from skin cracks. Helpers have been using moist cloths and buckets of water to retain the skin hydrated, a method Minister Till Backhaus believes helps the skin regenerate.
A significant technical challenge has emerged regarding the animal’s monitoring. Minister Backhaus admitted that the tracker currently attached to the whale does not function underwater, meaning the animal could be lost to trackers if it dives or sinks to the bottom.
Growing Controversy and Expert Criticism
The operation has faced sharp criticism from organizations such as Greenpeace and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC). These experts argue that the commotion surrounding the animal—including frequent human contact—may place additional stress on the wild mammal.
Veterinary expert Jenna Wallace has specifically warned against risking the animal’s stability for blood samples. She too reported a near-miss incident where a member of the rescue team was almost hit by the whale’s fluke, the powerful tail fin.
Further debate has centered on the “Australian Method” of towing whales with hoses. The WDC has cautioned that pulling a whale by its fins could cause severe pain, broken bones, or dislocated joints, contradicting the goal of a low-impact rescue.
Political Stance and Future Outlook
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Environment Minister, Till Backhaus, has expressed his tolerance for the private initiative’s plan, though he maintains that the responsibility rests with the group. Backhaus has dismissed claims that the whale’s death is inevitable, stating the animal has survived longer than initial reports predicted.
Looking forward, the operation’s success may depend on the timing of the barge’s arrival and the whale’s physical condition. If the animal attempts to free itself during a high tide, there is a risk it could swim in the wrong direction and move deeper into the shallows.
The final transport to the North Sea could proceed as planned if the animal remains “transportable,” as assessed by the attending veterinarians. However, any further physical interventions may continue to be a point of contention between the rescue team and international wildlife experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current plan to move the whale?
The plan involves guiding the whale through a 110-meter dredged channel into a specialized 50-meter transport barge, which will then tow the animal toward the North Sea.
Why are experts criticizing the rescue effort?
Organizations like WDC and Greenpeace argue that the high number of people and boats cause significant stress to the animal and that some proposed physical interventions could cause pain or injury.
When is the transport expected to begin?
The initiative anticipates that the transport could start between Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29, following the arrival of the barge.
Do you believe private initiatives should lead wildlife rescues, or should they be strictly managed by government and scientific agencies?
