A humpback whale stranded near the northern Baltic port city of Wismar remained alive on April 6, 2026, breathing at intervals of about two to four minutes, authorities said. The animal, nicknamed “Timmy” by the German media, measures roughly 12 meters (about 40 feet) and has been stuck in shallow water since last week.
Police and environmental officials monitored the whale overnight but reported no improvement in its condition. Rescue attempts were halted on Wednesday after experts determined the animal was unlikely to survive. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Environment Minister Till Backhaus said the Baltic Sea’s low salinity has placed severe physiological strain on the whale, which normally inhabits saltier waters.
Teams continue to observe the situation while authorities consider next steps. The whale’s prolonged stranding and the region’s atypical conditions have raised concern among local officials and animal welfare groups.