In brief
A humpback whale, approximately 12 to 15 meters long and weighing 15 tons, is stranded on a sandbank in Lübeck Bay, Germany. Rescuers are deploying diggers to create a channel to deeper waters, while the whale is reported to have rope stuck in its mouth. Despite slim chances of survival, experts remain hopeful. The situation is being closely monitored and livestreamed for public awareness.
Rescuers are continuing to try and save a stranded humpback whale off Germany's north coast. The marine mammal, which is stuck on a sandbank, was first spotted in Lübeck Bay on Monday. Diggers have been deployed to dredge a channel back into deeper waters. Characterised as a race against time, the rescue mission's attracting huge interest. It's even being livestreamed from Timmendorfer Strand, a seaside town in Schleswig-Holstein.Estimated at being 12 to 15 metres long and 15 tons in weight, it's thought the whale could have previously become entangled in a fishing net, with rope still stuck in its mouth. Experts believe this young male may have accidentally wandered into shallow waters and there's speculation about it seeking a final resting place. While the chances of saving the whale are slim, rescuer efforts continue unabated.Experts, including marine biologist Robert Marc Lehmann, mention that despite the whale's poor condition, it is responsive, vocalizing and showing signs of stress. However, it has not been feeding for three days as it remains in shallow water. Determined, the rescue team hopes to deepen the channel sufficiently or apply a gentle nudge to coax it back to safety.
