A 13-metre humpback whale, named Timmy by the public, is being rescued after being stranded for more than a month in low-saline waters off Germany's Baltic Sea coast. The whale was first spotted on a sandbank near the city of Lübeck on March 23.
Since its initial sighting, the animal has struggled for survival, freeing itself only to become stuck again several times. The situation sparked four weeks of intense public debate over the best method to assist the creature, which is far from its natural habitat.
Following approval from German officials, a rescue effort funded by two entrepreneurs began on Tuesday. Rescue teams are celebrating a major win after successfully coaxing Timmy onto a special barge, which will be used to steer him back toward the Atlantic.