The 12-metre-long humpback whale Timmy, which has been stuck in shallow waters in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Germany several times since the beginning of March, has swum into the North Sea. Reports Der Spiegel online.
In recent days, the whale was transferred from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea on board a submerged barge, accompanied by marine biologists and activists. Sometime in the morning of May 2, Timmy swam out of the barge on his own initiative without anyone immediately noticing. The whale was later seen in the sea not far from the barge.
Der Spiegel reports that Timmy left the barge before specialists carried out another scheduled examination. Marine biologist Fabian Ritter believes the whale is not healthy. It is unclear whether he will still be able to swim, dive and eat normally after being in shallow water for so long.
One of the sponsors of the rescue operation, Karen Walter Mummert, said that after the whale left the barge, it was moving in the right direction, that is, to the northwest. This would allow it to reach the west coast of Norway, and from there it could head towards the North Pole.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Organization confirmed that it will not be possible to talk about saving the whale until it returns to the North Atlantic Ocean, and it can stay there for a long time, regain its skin, and can independently obtain food and gain weight. This organization, like the International Whale Commission, believes Timmy has little chance of survival.
Timmy the whale has been stranded in the Baltic Sea several times since early March. The animal came out several times on its own or with the help of rescuers. At the end of March, the whale was again stuck in shallow water, and since March 31 it has been lying almost motionless, not trying to get out. As a result, the authorities halted the rescue operation and allowed private initiative volunteers to try to help the animal again, taking responsibility for the whale’s fate.
After several weeks in shallow waters, the whale was lured onto a barge on April 28, after which the rescue operation began by transporting Timmy to the North Sea. The whale suffered minor injuries during transport.