Off the Danish Coast, May 1, 2026 Humpback whale rescue near Denmark may end soon A 12-meter-long humpback whale, weakened after weeks in shallow waters off Germany’s coast, is being held on a barge near Denmark and could be released as early as late afternoon, according to a private rescue initiative.
Rescue Efforts and Transport Challenges
The whale had been stranded in the Baltic Sea near Poel Island, close to Wismar, for four weeks before a private initiative intervened. Despite opposition from scientists, institutions, and animal welfare organizations, the group has been attempting to rescue the whale since mid-April.
The whale was loaded onto a barge and transported from the Baltic Sea toward the North Sea. However, bad weather forced the vessel to turn back approximately 11 nautical miles from Denmark’s northernmost point. Jens Schwarck, a member of the private initiative, stated that the whale might be released later in the day.
Risks and Official Stance
The transport was not without risks. Martin Bocklage, captain of the escort ship *Robin Hood*, noted that high waves posed a danger to the whale’s safety. "The high waves posed a risk of injury to the whale," Bocklage said.
Meanwhile, the Danish Environment Ministry has maintained its policy of not rescuing stranded marine mammals as a matter of principle. This stance has left the rescue efforts entirely to private groups, raising questions about the long-term viability of such operations.