Germany Relaunches Operation to Save Humpback Whale Timmy. Half a month ago, they had already given up on him
A new phase of the operation to rescue the humpback whale named Timmy has begun in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Germany. He found himself in shallow waters and cannot get out on his own. They had already decided to leave him alone and not rescue him, but now the rescue operation is set to resume and reach a new level, writes The Guardian.
Photo: Philip Dulian/AP
Previously, authorities were ready to stop attempts and allow the whale to die, but the situation changed with the financial support of two wealthy individuals who paid for a new rescue operation. One of them noted that even a small chance is worth trying for.
A team of six rescuers, including a veterinarian, entered the water to help the animal. According to available information, the whale shows signs of life: it moves, breathes, makes sounds, and even lifts its head, which gives hope for its rescue.
The plan is to first wash away the sand and silt and place special air cushions under the whale. Then, they intend to lift it, position it on a tarpaulin between pontoons, and tow it to deeper waters of the North Sea or the Atlantic Ocean.
The operation may begin no earlier than Saturday, April 18. As part of these efforts, a diver approached the whale on Friday morning, to which the animal reacted with sharp movements of its tail fin, causing it to turn almost 90 degrees. The whale also released several fountains of water. This is the first instance of Timmy moving from its spot recorded since March 31.
The diver and other participants in the operation swam away from the whale. Soon, the animal calmed down and is now again lying motionless on the sandbank, according to the DPA agency.
However, not everyone supports this operation. Environmentalists and experts believe that the whale's chances of survival are very slim, and the attempt itself could further harm the weakened animal. There are also opinions that the situation is partly being used for political purposes ahead of the elections in the region.
These are not the first attempts to help the animal. The whale was found on a sandbank back in late March. At that time, it was helped to get out, but it returned to the shore again and repeatedly fell into the same trap.