Whale's scenic journey across Poland: humpback from Międzyzdroje spotted in Świnoujście port
The Baltic humpback whale makes headlines again! Just days after a spectacular rescue operation in Międzyzdroje, where the animal became entangled in fishing nets, the marine giant reappeared in Polish waters – this time in Świnoujście. On Saturday morning, March 1, 2025, at approximately 8:20 am, the whale was spotted near the Varsovia ferry, docked at the Polferries terminal.
In brief
A Baltic humpback whale was spotted at around 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, 1 March 2025, in the port of Świnoujście, near the Polferries ferry Varsovia. The mammal's appearance came a few days after a rescue operation in Międzyzdroje, where the animal had become entangled in fishing nets. Experts found no indication that the humpback needed help, and services are observing it to enable a safe return to open waters. Humpback whales reach 15 to 17 metres in length and more than 30 tonnes in weight, and the first documented sightings in Polish waters date from 2008.
The sight of the humpback in the harbor caused quite a stir among onlookers, who watched the unusual visitor with fascination. Although humpbacks are rare guests in the Baltic Sea, such close proximity to the quay is both extraordinary and potentially hazardous – for the animal as well as port infrastructure.
Experts suggest the whale might have been resting after its recent ordeal or simply exploring new surroundings out of curiosity. So far, there are no signs that the mammal requires assistance, although its presence in the port raises concerns.
This marks another stop on the remarkable journey of the Baltic traveler. Will the humpback stay longer on the Pomeranian coast or continue north? Authorities are keeping a close watch to ensure the whale can safely return to open waters – where food and boundless space await.
Humpbacks – nomads and ocean explorers
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are among the largest marine mammals, reaching lengths of 15-17 meters and weighing over 30 tons. Despite their imposing size, they are known for their graceful movements and spectacular breaches above the water's surface.
These animals inhabit oceanic waters, following migration routes that span thousands of kilometers – from the cold Arctic seas to warm tropical regions. In the Baltic Sea, they are exceptionally rare visitors. The first documented sighting of a humpback in Polish waters dates back to 2008, with occasional appearances in recent years near the Gulf of Gdańsk, Hel Peninsula, and Kołobrzeg.
Humpbacks are also famous for their unique songs, which play a crucial role in communication between individuals and can be heard from several kilometers away. Each whale has its own repertoire of sounds, evolving over its lifetime – making them some of the ocean's most enigmatic inhabitants.
Their presence in the Baltic may be linked to disrupted migration routes, climate change, or the search for food. Encounters with humpbacks along the Polish coast always attract significant attention but require caution – too much human contact can cause stress and hinder their return to open waters.
Source: iswinoujscie.pl / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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