In a heartbreaking update on Saturday, a humpback whale found dead this week off the Danish coast has been identified as the animal released two weeks ago, Timmy. His lifeless body washed up on Thursday just off the island of Anholt in the Kattegat, the strait between Denmark and Sweden that connects the Baltic Sea to the North Sea.
Timmy had been stuck in the shallow waters off the German coast of the Baltic Sea since March 3, 2026. The 32 feet long whale caught the world’s attention after he stranded himself multiple times; each time becoming more distressed and weaker.
On May 2, 2026, Timmy had been released into the waters of the North Sea. When released, he swam out of the special water filled barge transport on his own power. Everyone crossed their fingers; hoping Timmy would survive and make the long trip back to the Atlantic Ocean.
It had been the Danish Environmental Protection Agency who emailed the statement. The calm conditions on Saturday helped to locate the tracking device still attached to the whale’s back confirming it had been Timmy that had previously been “handled in German waters.”
So sad:
At the time of the rescue, rescuers doubted Timmy could be saved, stating he had likely become stranded because he was ill. Still, his plight captured the hearts of the world, and everyone had hoped the whale could have survived and rejoined the other whales in their Atlantic Ocean migration.
Rest in peace Timmy.
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