Final steps taken before audacious plan to tow whale stranded in Germany to North Sea
Summary
A large humpback whale named Timmy has been stuck in shallow waters off Germany’s Baltic Sea coast for nearly a month. A privately funded effort plans to tow the whale about 400 km to the North Sea in hopes of returning it to the Atlantic Ocean.Key Facts
- Timmy is a 12-tonne humpback whale stranded near the island of Poel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
- The whale has been there for over three weeks in water with too little salt for its survival.
- A rescue plan called Operation Cushion involves lifting Timmy on air cushions in a large steel pontoon.
- The pontoon will be towed by a tugboat to deeper waters in the North Sea, aiming to return Timmy to the Atlantic.
- Local officials and rescue workers have been caring for the whale, keeping it hydrated and treating skin wounds.
- Some marine experts believe the whale is too weak and that rescue attempts might cause more harm.
- The rescue is funded by two millionaires and supported by some local politicians despite mixed opinions from scientists.
- Hundreds of people have visited the site to watch the whale and the rescue efforts.
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