The stranded humpback whale “Timmy”.Image: Sea Shepherd
April 15, 2026, 4:09 p.mApril 15, 2026, 4:09 p.m
Timmy, the stranded whale in the Baltic Sea, is now supposed to be rescued. The rescue operation starts on Thursday morning at 6 a.m Picture reported. The use of tarpaulins, air cushions, pontoons and boats is planned.
During a media orientation on Wednesday, the responsible environment minister, Till Backhaus, commented favorably on the plans of a private initiative that wants to save Timmy. “This concept has the potential to really help the animal,” said the SPD politician.
According to the Environment Minister, the rescue plan looks like this:
First, air cushions are positioned around Timmy for stabilization. In the next step, the sand from under the head and the front third of the body is carefully washed away. At the same time, the air cushions are gradually inflated to lift the animal. Timmy is supposed to slide onto a special tarpaulin that is stretched between two floating pontoons.
Into the North Sea
As soon as the whale is securely fixed on this structure, the actual transport begins. The animal is towed out of the bay, across the Baltic Sea and into the North Sea. Backhaus classified this strategy as “gentle” and emphasized: “We tolerate this approach.”
“Our goal is to do everything humanly possible for the animal,” explained Backhaus. He officially gave the green light to the project of the private initiative and its two financiers, who want to tow the whale into the North Sea. The practical preparations for the rescue began at 12 noon. (val)