BERLIN: Rescuers in Germany began an elaborate operation Thursday to save a sick humpback whale that has been repeatedly stranded off the Baltic Sea coast and has stirred up tons of attention across the country for weeks. The whale, which has been nicknamed Timmy by local media, is lying in shallow waters near the eastern German town of Wismar and has barely moved for days. Many fear it may soon die. Timmy was first spotted swimming in the region on March 3. It is not clear why the whale swam into the Baltic Sea, far from its natural habitat.

Critics say efforts to save the animal, nicknamed Tommy, unlikely to succeed and could lead to further harm

German rescuers plan to use air cushions to save Timmy, a stranded humpback whale near Wismar, from imminent danger.