Whale stranded at a Baltic Sea resort has swum off a sandbank. But it isn't safe yet

A whale stranded in Germany's Baltic Sea has swum free after rescuers cut an escape route through shallow water, but the animal remains in danger. The whale, which had been trapped in shallow waters near a resort, was unable to navigate the sandbank on its own, prompting rescue efforts. While the successful departure is a significant development, marine experts are concerned the whale may still face risks including disorientation, exhaustion, or shallow-water hazards as it attempts to return to deeper waters. Stranded whales in coastal areas face elevated mortality rates from dehydration, injury, and stress, even after initial rescue attempts. The outcome will depend on whether the animal can fully recover and successfully navigate back to safe open water.