Overview
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s environment ministry confirmed Wednesday it has received none of the agreed tracker data, veterinary report, or release video and says it has no legal power to compel the private team to hand them over.
- Funder Karin Walter-Mommert says the tag has sent about 25 signals without usable GPS coordinates, while Minister Till Backhaus says he believes the whale is alive but cannot verify it independently.
- Marine institutions warn the weakened humpback likely died, and experts stress that standard satellite tags do not send medical vital signs and should be tested before deployment.
- The privately run operation has devolved into infighting, with investor Walter Gunz alleging a night-and-fog release and mishandling as the tug captain reports death threats, late-night calls, and online abuse.
- International experts criticize the rescue as unprofessional and note the IWC offered tagging help that was not used, and a Schleswig-Holstein minister now urges larger marine refuges and tighter fishing limits.