Rescuers said on Wednesday that they have lost hope for the humpback whale that has become stranded repeatedly off Germany’s Baltic Sea coast and now expect it to die in the inlet where it currently lies. The whale swam into an inlet on the small island of Poel, near the port of Wismar, on Tuesday and got stuck again. The whale was a bit more active after rescuers left, “but it is not activity that gives us grounds for hope” Mr Baschek said at a televised news conference. It is not clear why the whale swam into the Baltic Sea, which is far from its natural habitat and to which it is not suited. Some experts say the animal may have lost its way when it swam after a shoal of herring, or during migration.

Source: Irish Examiner April 01, 2026 18:37 UTC