Humpback whale sighted in Baltic Sea near Denmark faces health risks

A large humpback whale, estimated at about 15 m long, was observed swimming southward through the Little Belt Strait into the Baltic Sea from the bridge Lillebæltsbro. The sighting was reported by tourist guide Linda Frølund Hansen, who said, “We were looking for harbour porpoises… suddenly something appeared.” Marine biologists noted the whale’s thin body and skin discolorations, with marine expert Fabian Ritter stating, “Clearly I recognize a humpback… the animal appears apathetic… not looking good.”

The animal’s presence follows the recent entry of another humpback, dubbed “Timmy,” which entered the Baltic in March, was rescued, and died after weeks of suffering in the shallow, low‑salinity waters. Experts warn that the Baltic’s shallow depth, low salinity and limited food supply make it a hostile environment for humpbacks, raising the risk that the newly sighted whale could meet a similar fate.

Authorities in Denmark and neighboring Germany are monitoring the situation, and marine organisations are considering possible rescue actions while urging the public to keep distance from the whale.