A humpback whale stranded on Germany's Baltic Sea coast freed itself overnight after days of rescue efforts, biologist Robert Marc Lehmann said on Friday.
The whale had been stuck in shallow waters off Timmendorfer Strand since early on Monday, drawing heavy media attention.
Lehmann said the whale had been able to swim into deeper water through a channel dug out by a floating excavator. The biologist had snorkelled out to the animal the previous day and tried to guide it through the trench.
Lehmann said the crucial thing now was for the 12- to 15-metre marine mammal to remain in open water and, if possible, make its way to the North Sea. It was still not safe, he stressed, saying its release from the sandbank was not yet a rescue, but only a small step in the right direction.
The animal would only be home once it reached the Atlantic, Lehmann added.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
4 astronauts are now on their path to the moon. Here’s what happens next - 2EU health regulator urges immediate vaccinations amid early surge in flu cases
- 3Israeli archaeologists launch project to trace origins of ancient pottery
- 4Netanyahu leads meeting on West Bank riots, Katz defends axing administrative detention for Jews
- 5Oil, energy and food: Which countries in Europe are most exposed to higher food prices?
- Paris Agreement target off the table, report says
- 6 Exemplary Mexican Dishes
- Mont Blanc road tunnel reopens to traffic after 15 weeks of repairs
- Wedding Guest Outraged That Bride and Groom, Who Are in Their 60s and Have Both Been Married Before, Registered for Gifts
- Pick Your Favored sort of cooking
- This widow influencer is using jokes to cope after her husband's death. It's OK if people don't get it.
- Figure out How to Reveal Stowed away Open Record Rewards
- RFK Jr.'s diet guidelines emphasize red meat, full-fat dairy. How healthy are they?
- Bring tissues and skip the mascara: The movie that's making theater-goers sob uncontrollaby
