POEL, Germany — April 24, 2026
Efforts to rescue a stranded humpback whale near the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea are underway, with workers racing to create a 110-meter-long channel to guide the animal back to deeper waters, according to contractor Fred Babbel.
Rescue Operation Underway
A team led by Fred Babbel is constructing a 110-meter-long, 10-meter-wide, and 2-meter-deep channel to facilitate the whale’s return to the open sea. As of Thursday evening, 40 meters of the channel had been completed, with another 40 meters slated for completion by Friday.
The operation involves a 15-meter-wide, submersible barge that cannot move independently and must be towed by tugboats. The barge is a critical part of the effort to safely transport the whale from its current location to deeper waters.
Challenges and Next Steps
The rescue team faces a tight timeline, with the earliest possible relocation of the whale set for Sunday. The delay is due to the complexity of the operation, which requires precise coordination between the barge, tugboats, and environmental conditions.
Local authorities and the Environment Ministry are closely monitoring the situation. Karin Walter-Mommert, a spokesperson for the rescue initiative, emphasized the importance of minimizing stress on the whale during the operation. "Every effort is being made to ensure the whale’s safety," she said.