Humpback whale spotted near Heiligenhafen on Germany's Baltic coast

The German Marine Museum received two reports on July 17 that a large whale was seen off Heiligenhafen in the Baltic Sea. A spokesperson for the German Press Agency said the available picture and video material were of poor quality, making it impossible to confirm definitively that the animal is the same humpback whale recently observed off Denmark, but its size and general appearance suggest it is.

Earlier in the month, the Danish Environmental Agency had reported another humpback whale near Aarhus and other parts of Danish waters, noting the animal appeared sick and urging the public to keep a safe distance. The sighting follows a series of recent whale incidents in the region, including the ill‑fated rescue of a humpback dubbed “Timmy” that later died near the Danish island of Anholt.

Conservation groups are monitoring the current whale, which some have nicknamed “Hartwin,” for signs of illness or possible spinal deformities. Authorities continue to advise observers to maintain distance while further evidence is gathered.