Overview
- Helpers reached the whale in waist-deep water on Thursday to keep it moist and prepare air cushions for a lift.
- The plan is to raise the animal onto a tarp between two pontoons and tow it by tug toward the North Sea or Atlantic, with towing possibly starting Friday.
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s environment minister approved the privately financed attempt on Wednesday and said the initiators carry the risk and responsibility.
- MediaMarkt cofounder Walter Gunz and entrepreneur Karin Walter-Mommert are funding the effort, which the state says it will tolerate but not lead.
- Major institutes and NGOs warn the whale is severely ill with likely lung fluid, a rope in its mouth and collision injuries, so experts judge survival after transport very unlikely.