Stranded humpback whale in Germany’s Baltic Sea weakens as hopes of its return fade
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A humpback whale stranded in Germany's Baltic Sea is weakening and may not be able to return to the Atlantic despite rescue efforts, officials said.
- A 500-meter restricted zone was established around the whale near Wismar to allow it to rest and potentially free itself, but experts note the whale is sick and possibly injured from fishing nets.
- Rescue attempts included using boats and an excavator to create waves to help the whale swim free, but the animal is now showing significantly less activity and a decreased respiratory rate.
- The whale likely entered the Baltic Sea by mistake, possibly chasing herring or during migration, but it cannot survive long-term due to low salt levels and inadequate nutrition in the Baltic.
- Experts warn the whale faces a difficult journey of about 500 kilometers to return to the Atlantic through narrow straits, making its chances of survival slim.
