Rescue efforts for a stranded humpback whale near the German island of Poel entered a critical phase on Friday, April 17, 2026, as officials and volunteers prepared for another attempt to return the animal to open water.
The whale, nicknamed “Timmy” by rescuers, has been stranded in a shallow bay off Poel in the Baltic Sea for several days. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Environment Minister Till Backhaus confirmed that veterinary experts and whale specialists assessed the animal on Thursday and found it responsive to verbal cues, with an intact blowhole and no signs of agitation.
Backhaus stated that while he had initially decided to let the whale die naturally, he approved a renewed rescue bid on Wednesday after reviewing new evidence. He emphasized that responsibility for the operation lies with the private initiative leading the effort, though his ministry will monitor and oversee all actions closely.
The rescue team, funded by MediaMarkt founder Walter Gunz and entrepreneur Karin Walter-Mommert, has deployed heavy equipment, pontoons and flushing systems to the island. Crews worked to clear mud from around the whale’s body to prepare for lifting it using air cushions. The plan is to place the whale on a stretcher between two pontoons and tow it by tugboat toward the North Sea, with a possible onward journey to the Atlantic if conditions allow.
On Friday morning, helpers were seen wading in waist-deep water, pouring water over the whale to preserve it cool and moist. Backhaus said the exact timing of the move had not been made public, but preparations were underway for a launch later in the day.
The operation has drawn national attention and sparked debate over the ethics and feasibility of intervening in such cases. Supporters argue the whale shows signs of strength and deserves a chance at survival, while critics question the stress and risks involved in moving a large marine mammal under these circumstances.
Officials continue to stress that any decision will prioritize animal welfare and safety, with updates being shared through live streams and official channels as the situation develops.
