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Whale freed after days stranded on German sandbank
Rescue teams confirmed on Friday that a humpback whale, trapped near Lübeck for nearly a week, had broken free from a sandbank and moved into deeper waters.
Stranding and initial rescue attempts
The 12-15 meter (40-50 foot) whale was first spotted near Timmendorfer Strand last Monday. Over the following days, multiple efforts were made to guide the animal back to open water, but shifting tides and its weakened state complicated the operation.
Breakthrough and self-rescue
Biologist Robert Marc Lehmann reported that the whale regained strength overnight and managed to swim free on its own. Stephanie Gross of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research later confirmed the whale had moved 300 meters (1,000 feet) offshore, accompanied by a colleague in an inflatable boat.
Earlier attempts included using two diggers to dredge a channel toward deeper water, with teams working late into Thursday under floodlights. By evening, the whale showed increased activity, raising hopes for its survival.
Ongoing concerns and monitoring
Despite the progress, rescuers warned the whale remains vulnerable. A piece of fishing net is lodged in its mouth, and its poor condition prevented the attachment of a tracking device. Several boats, including the coast guard, are escorting the animal to ensure it stays in open water.
"The whale is not yet safe. It must continue into the Baltic and eventually reach the North Sea and Atlantic to return to its natural habitat," Lehmann said.
Local reaction and next steps
Lübeck Mayor Sven Partheil-Böhnke expressed relief at the whale's escape, while experts remain cautiously optimistic. The animal is expected to head north toward Denmark, though its long-term survival depends on reaching deeper ocean waters.
