Rescued Humpback Whale Found Dead Off Danish Coast

A humpback whale, previously rescued after multiple strandings off Germany's Baltic Sea coast, has been found dead near Denmark's Anholt island, authorities confirm.

The whale, nicknamed "Timmy" and "Hope," was discovered on Thursday near Anholt in the Kattegat strait, which connects the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. This location is south of where the whale was released on May 2 after being transported toward the North Sea in a special barge.

"It can now be confirmed that the stranded humpback whale near Anholt is the same whale that was previously stranded in Germany and was the subject of rescue attempts," said Jane Hansen, head of division at ... .

A tracking device retrieved from the whale's back confirmed its identity. The whale was first spotted off the ... , far from its natural Atlantic habitat. Experts speculated it may have become lost during migration or while chasing herring. Despite extensive rescue efforts, including transportation by barge, the whale's condition deteriorated, leading to its death.

Authorities have not determined the cause of death and have no immediate plans for necropsy or removal. Officials advise the public to avoid the carcass due to potential disease risk.