Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Preparations for whale rescue continue
The private rescue initiative for the humpback whale stranded off the island of Poel plans to continue its work on Saturday morning.
18.04.2026, 04:35
SDA
On Friday, the first test flushes had already been carried out and additional material brought in. Even then, however, it was already clear: "We're a day behind schedule," Mediamarkt founder Walter Gunz told the German Press Agency. He is financing the operation together with entrepreneur Karin Walter-Mommert. The weakened whale is lying in the same position in the Kirchsee in the Bay of Wismar for the 19th day on Saturday.
The animal's condition determines the schedule
It is unclear whether the actual rescue can start on Saturday or whether further preparatory work will be required. A member of the private initiative team said that the timetable would depend on the animal's condition.
On Friday morning, the humpback whale reacted to an approaching diver with violent movements. The animal flapped its fluke, its tail fin, vigorously and turned almost 90 degrees, as could be seen in livestreams. After a few minutes, the whale calmed down again and lay still in the water.
Pontoons and tarpaulin to carry the whale
The animal is to be transported towards the North Sea on a tarpaulin between two pontoons. The tarpaulin must first be placed under the animal, which weighs around twelve tons. To do this, it is to be lifted with air cushions, which in turn requires silt to be washed away first.
The pontoons are to be pulled by a tugboat on a long line and arranged in such a way that an open area of six by twelve meters is created inside. "That's where the whale will stay," said Fred Babbel, head of the diving company commissioned by the private initiative. According to measurements by the Ministry of the Environment, the humpback whale is 12.35 meters long, 3.20 meters wide and 1.60 meters high.
Several experts: the whale's journey home impossible
Scientists, experts from authorities and employees of non-governmental organizations recently agreed after a comprehensive examination that the whale needs rest and that further interventions would cause massive damage to the animal. The humpback whale is disoriented and so weak and damaged that it will not make the journey home.
