A 10-metre-long humpback whale stranded on a sandbar in the Baltic Sea is at risk of dying if it is not guided back into deeper waters soon, experts have warned.
Rescue efforts underway
The young whale was spotted near Niendorf in Lübeck Bay, northern Germany, after onlookers heard its distress calls. Since then, rescue teams including the coastguard, fire brigade, and marine experts have been working to assist the animal.
Efforts have included removing entangled netting and attempting to generate waves to help the whale move. At one point, rescuers managed to turn the whale towards deeper waters, but it soon turned back again.
Condition worsening by the hour
Marine experts say the whale appears to be weakening rapidly. According to conservation groups, the animal may only need a few strong movements to reach deeper water, but its declining strength is a major concern.
Rescue operations have been paused at times to avoid stressing the whale further.
Public urged to stay away
Authorities have sealed off parts of the beach after reports of onlookers approaching too close, sometimes even using boats. Officials warned that such interference could hinder rescue efforts and endanger both the whale and people.
Natural behaviour and challenges
Experts believe the whale may have entered shallow waters while searching for food or lost its way. Such incidents are becoming more frequent in northern Europe, with multiple whale strandings reported in recent weeks across Denmark, Norway, and the UK.
Debate over intervention
While some members of the public called for euthanasia to end the animal’s suffering, marine biologists have advised against it, stating that intervention should be limited and nature should take its course unless recovery is possible.
A race against time
With each passing hour, the chances of survival decrease. Rescue teams continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a window of opportunity to guide the whale safely back to the open sea.