Helpers are currently trying to give Timmy more space under the water.Image: www.imago-images.de
April 22, 2026, 2:12 p.mApril 22, 2026, 2:12 p.m
The humpback whale, named Timmy, is still stuck in the Baltic Sea. Helpers try to save the whale as best as possible from the falling water level. If Timmy protrudes too far out of the water, the weight on his organs becomes too great.
To do this, the rescue team has now brought an excavator on a pontoon to the whale. The aim is to use pipes to flush sand away from under the animal so that it lies less high in the water. The German biologist and whale expert Fabian Ritter now finds clear words in “Bild”:
“At the moment there’s nothing that needs to be done except keep your hands away from the whale.”
Fabian Ritter
He is convinced that Timmy is taking this position on purpose: “The fact is that this is the fifth time he has chosen a position like this. He makes that conscious.” This way he stays on the surface and can continue to breathe.
Experts surprised
The current images of the whale show that the last few weeks have left their mark. The animal’s skin is discolored and has partially peeled off. According to Ritter, the fact that Timmy continued to survive “surprised all the experts”.
The humpback whale has been lying aground in the Baltic Sea for weeks.Image: keystone
Nevertheless, the whale expert believes Timmy’s chances of survival are slim: “At the moment I see an apathetic, struggling whale that is stretching and bending over,” Ritter tells the German newspaper. The German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) is also currently drawing a sad conclusion:
“The humpback whale seems too weak and sick, its suffering too long, the repeated strandings too noticeable. Because of people’s understandable urge to help the whale, the animal’s well-being is in danger of being lost.”
Nabu press release
Meanwhile, work continues on site. Boats often go to Timmy to drop off divers or material on site.
Low water remains a problem
But low water remains a problem. Measurement data from the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency show on Wednesday afternoon that the water level is currently around 10 centimeters below normal.
But it is currently falling again. The Federal Office expects a low level of 20 centimeters below normal to be reached around 6 p.m. If Timmy makes it through this low point, there is hope in the short term: by Thursday afternoon the water level should be around 20 centimeters above normal again. The water has risen by almost 40 centimeters compared to Wednesday afternoon.
Transmitter attached to the whale
The whale – after lying in one place for three weeks – suddenly swam off on Monday morning when the water level rose. Attempts had been made from boats to drive him towards the Baltic Sea. After two hours, the presumably exhausted animal stopped at the transition from the bay called Kirchsee to the Wismar Bay, where significantly deeper waters lead towards the Baltic Sea.
According to the Environment Minister of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Till Backhaus, a transmitter has now been attached to the animal – so if it does break free and swim away, its path could be followed. (leo with material from sda and dpa)