Timmy the stranded whale transported via barge to deeper waters

A humpback whale named Timmy is on a barge headed toward the North Sea after becoming repeatedly stranded near Germany's coast.

Germany's minister for climate protection had given the green light for the latest attempt to save the whale, proposed by a private initiative, despite some warnings from the scientific community that it may be too much for the animal.

The debate about whether to let it die in peace or try to assist its return to the Atlantic Ocean has gone on for weeks.

Some scientists believe the whale had searched especially for shallow waters because it was weak and needed rest. The veterinarians of the private initiative, however, considered the animal fit for transport.