In a dramatic rescue operation, a 40-foot humpback whale stranded in shallow waters off northern Germany's coast was successfully freed on Friday morning. The mammal, weighing approximately 12,000 kilograms (about 26,000 pounds), had been trapped near Niendorf beach in the Lübeck Bay Area for four days. Marine rescuers, led by veterinarian Stephanie Gross of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife, faced significant challenges.

After several failed attempts, they deployed an excavator on Thursday afternoon to dredge a channel through the sand, creating a path to deeper water. By Thursday night, the whale had moved partially through the channel, raising hopes for a successful release. Video footage confirmed the whale swam out into the Baltic Sea on Friday, avoiding the need for towing or pushing, which experts deemed too risky.

The operation involved boats positioned to guide the whale towards the North Sea.