A whale stranded at a popular Baltic Sea resort in Germany has finally swum free from a sandbank after an extensive rescue effort overnight. The breakout marks the beginning of a challenging journey back to its natural habitat.
Marine biologist Robert Marc Lehmann confirmed on Friday that the whale navigated an escape channel dug by excavators in a final attempt to assist the creature. Coast guard efforts had proven unsuccessful without the tides’ help typically found in other seas.
Experts believe the marine mammal is a young male venturing out to migrate. Its ultimate safety depends on reaching the Atlantic Ocean, a journey through German and Danish waters that is fraught with difficulties for a non-native humpback whale.
(With inputs from agencies.)