An urgent initiative to save a distressed whale that has captured the attention of Germans for several weeks is underway in the Baltic Sea, despite skepticism about its likelihood of success and concerns over the potential harm to the 12-ton animal.

The male humpback whale, affectionately nicknamed Timmy, was initially spotted last month near Timmendorfer Strand along Germany’s northern coastline. The whale has found itself stranded multiple times but managed to free itself with human assistance; however, it is currently trapped once more, with rescue teams indicating that its struggle for survival may be futile.

As local officials were on the verge of conceding defeat and allowing the whale to succumb, two wealthy benefactors emerged, offering financial support for a last-minute rescue initiative that has since received state endorsement.

One of the benefactors, Walter Gunz, who founded a well-known electronics retail chain, expressed that without this intervention, the whale’s fate would be grim. “At least if you attempt to save it, you have a chance,” he remarked to the German news agency dpa.

Regional media outlets have been providing live updates on the situation surrounding Timmy, who measures 10 meters in length, as public sentiment runs high. On Thursday, they offered continuous coverage of what has been dubbed Operation Cushion.

The precarious rescue effort began with six volunteers entering the water to approach the whale. The plan involves clearing the silt around the whale’s flippers and then using air cushions to gently lift it onto a tarpaulin attached to pontoons on either side.

If successful, the team intends to transport Timmy via tugboat into the North Sea, and potentially further into the Atlantic Ocean, in hopes of releasing it into more suitable waters.

The whale entered the Baltic Sea last month, likely while pursuing herring, which the waters lack in salinity to support its needs. Reports indicate that it also suffers from back wounds and a skin infection.

The environmental advocacy group Greenpeace, which has previously participated in rescue efforts, criticized the current operation for being risky, especially given the whale’s “sick and severely weakened” condition. They referenced studies from the German Oceanographic Museum and the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, which indicated the whale’s chances of survival are extremely slim and that the rescue could result in further injury.

A spokesperson for Greenpeace stated, “We are now concentrating on efforts to enhance ocean protection, including as a habitat for whales.”

Critics have pointed out that the upcoming election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the whale is stranded, may be influencing some of the official responses to the situation.

The regional environment ministry noted that the responsibility for the success or failure of the rescue operation lies with the initiative’s sponsors, including equestrian event organizer Karin Walter-Mommert. State-funded rescue operations had already been halted on April 1. Nonetheless, the whale’s struggle has galvanized public interest and support.

On Wednesday, Till Backhaus, the environment minister for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, reversed his previous stance and expressed support for the “unique” rescue mission, stating he felt “quite happy” about having one last opportunity to save the whale.