The humpback whale Timmy, also known as Hope, has managed to free himself without human help from a sandbank off the coast of Germany.
During the night, the water level rose and the whale was able to swim a few kilometers. But water levels are dropping again and researchers warn that there are only a few hours to guide the whale to deeper waters.
To survive, the whale needs to leave the Baltic Sea, swim between the Danish islands, and reach the Atlantic Ocean.
Humpback whales do not usually live in the Baltic Sea. The water there has less salt and very little food for them.
Earlier this month, authorities had stopped rescue efforts. They said there was no realistic chance to save the animal.
Rescue attempts and public concern
The whale has been trapped in shallow waters near the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea. In recent weeks, several rescue teams tried to help Timmy, but all attempts failed.
When authorities decided to stop the official rescue, many people in Germany were upset and protested.
Over the weekend, private groups prepared another rescue operation using large air cushions to lift the whale. However, the whale freed himself before the plan could start.
The whale was first seen on March 23 near Timmendorfer Strand. Since then, he has become stuck on sandbanks several times and managed to free himself again.
Experts say it is still unclear whether Timmy is strong enough to complete the long journey back to the open ocean.
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