Environmental Minister Till Backhaus has tolerated a private initiative’s revised plan to rescue a stranded humpback whale near Poel island, despite ongoing tensions over terminology and procedural delays.
The twelve-meter-long male whale, locally nicknamed Timmy, has remained in shallow waters off the Baltic coast since stranding earlier this week. Preparations for its relocation have continued through the weekend, with volunteers deploying sand-filled „Big Bags“ to create a barrier preventing the animal from drifting further into the Flachwasserzone as tides rise.
By Friday morning, a nearly 110-meter-long, two-meter-deep channel had been excavated from the whale’s current position toward deeper water, forming the core of the private group’s „aquarium concept.“ Under this plan, the multi-ton cetacean would be guided — either voluntarily or with gentle slings — through the trench and into a water-filled barge via a stern opening, simulating a contained aquatic environment during transit.
Backhaus confirmed on Saturday afternoon that his ministry had tolerated the updated proposal after initial drafts required revision following a Thursday evening review. He emphasized that the term „toleration“ — not approval — reflects the legal limits of his authority, rejecting media framing that implied governmental obstruction. „It is constantly claimed we are hindering or preventing action,“ he said. „That is simply and plainly untrue.“
The minister cited intensive evaluation by ministry specialists of the rescuers’ methodology, noting that two newly joined veterinarians had contributed significantly to the refined approach. Despite this, attempts to draw blood from the whale for health assessment failed due to rough seas and the animal’s movement, according to team veterinarian Kirsten Tönnies.
Tönnies expressed cautious optimism about the operation’s timing, stating the team calculates they could move the whale between Tuesday and Wednesday. She praised the current cooperation with authorities, contrasting it with earlier friction over procedural demands.
Live coverage continues via NDR’s livestream, although regional outlets like BILD maintain rolling tickers under headlines such as „Ostseedrama im Live-Ticker: Jetzt läuft der Sandsack-Einsatz bei Timmy,“ reflecting sustained public and media focus on the unfolding rescue.
Why is the minister insisting on the term „toleration“ instead of approval?
Backhaus states his ministry lacks legal authority to approve private rescue operations, only to tolerate them after internal expert review, rejecting claims that his office is delaying the effort.
What specific preparations have been made to move the whale?
Teams have deployed around 40 sand-filled Big Bags as a tidal barrier and excavated a 110-meter-long, two-meter-deep trench to guide the animal toward deeper water and a waiting barge.
