A privately funded operation to rescue a young male humpback whale, nicknamed Timmy, stranded off Germany’s Baltic coast has faced severe criticism after a critical tracking device fitted to the animal failed. The whale’s location and condition are unknown three days after it was transported by barge and released near Denmark. The €1.5m rescue, partially funded by racehorse portfolio owner Karin Walter-Mommert, was intended to monitor the whale’s vital signs, but experts like researcher Fabian Ritter warned the non-functional tracker made the mission “an all-round catastrophe.” The German Oceanographic Museum believes the whale is likely dead and has demanded data release, while Danish authorities refused any further rescue. Disputes also arose over the release method, with a participating vet barred from giving a medical all-clear.