A humpback whale known as “Timmy” is currently fighting for survival in the Baltic Sea, though experts warn that the animal is likely in its final stages of life. The situation has sparked a heated professional dispute among rescuers and officials over the handling of the emergency operation.
A Critical Condition
As of April 10, 2026, the whale is drifting nearly motionless in the Kirchsee, off the coast of Poel island. According to reports, the animal’s condition has deteriorated significantly. within a 24-hour window, the interval between its breaths increased from four to five minutes. While some reports indicated “slight activity” during the night, the general consensus among authorities is that the whale is dying.
The Environmental Protection Agency of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern announced on April 2, 2026, that a survey vessel is currently mapping the waters around the whale to prepare for the eventual recovery of the carcass. Once the animal passes, it will be transported to the German Museum of Nature and Man in Stralsund for a full necropsy.
Controversy Over Rescue Efforts
The rescue mission has been marred by conflict, specifically involving marine biologist and YouTuber Robert Marc Lehmann. After being a prominent face of the initial rescue efforts at Timmendorfer Strand—where he spent hours in the cold water and coordinated the use of excavators to clear sand—Lehmann was notably absent during the whale’s second stranding in the Wismar Bay.
Lehmann claimed via Instagram that he was actively excluded from the mission. He expressed deep frustration, stating, “It pisses me off mega,” while praising the excavator operators for their precision. Although, his involvement has not been without criticism, with some reports indicating growing doubts regarding his role as a “whale expert.”
The Cause of the Stranding
The tragedy has highlighted the ongoing danger of marine debris. A fishing net was discovered in the whale’s mouth and Lehmann attempted to remove it during the rescue. While the net is a primary suspect in the whale’s distress, Lehmann noted that it could be a “ghost net,” another factor, or even a solar phenomenon.
A Greenpeace expert described the situation as “a tragedy that didn’t have to happen,” underscoring the devastating impact of human-made pollutants on marine giants. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of these animals when they wander into shallow, enclosed waters like the Baltic.
Currently, no further rescue attempts are being made. As Lehmann stated, the situation has reached a point where “nothing more can be done for the whale,” with the chances of survival having dropped to near zero.
