The story of Timmy, the humpback whale stranded for days off the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea, continues to hold one’s breath in suspense. The animal, over 12 meters long and weighing around 12 tons, is in critical condition, but in recent days it has shown signs of life that have rekindled hope. The Environment Minister of the Land of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Till Backhaus, confirmed that the authorities are considering a final rescue attempt, relying on a special catamaran from Denmark.
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An extreme plan to bring her back to the open sea
The plan involves placing straps under Timmy’s body to gently lift her and place her on a net, allowing her to be transported to the North Sea. A complex and risky operation, which requires the evaluation of veterinarians and marine biologists: the whale must be strong enough to withstand the stress of lifting and travel. The intervention comes after previous rescue attempts had failed and the authorities had decided to stop the rescue, believing that the chances of survival were slim.
The signs of life that keep hope alive
Yet Timmy demonstrated surprising resilience: At midday he would wag his tail and arch his back, as if taking a deep breath. Meanwhile, rescuers keep her hydrated and protected from the sun’s rays, constantly spraying her with hoses to prevent dehydration and overheating. These gestures, although minimal, made it possible to slow down the worsening of his condition.
The time factor is crucial
It would take the catamaran at least two days to reach the whale and prepare for the operation. The risk that Timmy may not last long is real, considering the weight of his body in shallow water and the low salinity water of the Baltic, which puts his physiology to the test. As long as he breathes, however, there is a possibility of salvation, fragile but concrete.
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