On April 24, 2026, a 100-meter-long sand chute was completed to guide the stranded humpback whale nicknamed Timmy back into deeper waters off the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea.
How the rescue operation unfolded
Rescue teams began constructing the sand chute on April 22 after Timmy became stuck in shallow waters near the coast. The structure was designed to create a controlled path for the whale to swim toward open sea without stranding again. By April 24, the chute was finished and measured exactly 100 meters in length, according to officials from the regional environmental agency.
What officials said about the next steps
Minister Backhaus announced during a live briefing that the whale would now be guided into the chute using sound barriers and gently nudged by rescue boats. He explained that the goal was for Timmy to “glide into a kind of large bathtub” — referring to the submerged chute — and then follow it out to safer depths. No sedatives or physical restraints would be used, he added, to minimize stress on the animal.
Why the operation faces challenges
Despite the chute’s completion, rescuers noted that shifting sand and tidal currents could undermine its stability. Laura Rihm of ntv reported that teams would need to monitor and repair the structure in real time as the whale approached. Success depended on Timmy’s willingness to enter the chute, which remained uncertain given the whale’s prolonged distress and fatigue.
What happens if the whale does not enter the chute?
If Timmy avoids the sand chute, rescuers may attempt to redirect it using acoustic deterrents or wait for high tide to increase water depth naturally. Officials stressed that forcing the whale could cause injury, so all actions would remain passive and observational unless absolutely necessary.
How long could the rescue take?
There is no fixed timeline for the operation. Depending on weather, tides and the whale’s behavior, the guidance process could last several hours or extend into a second day. Teams remain on-site around the clock to respond to changes in conditions or the whale’s movements.
