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Humpback whale off Rügen likely died from bacterial infection

The autopsy of a dead humpback whale in Greifswalder Bodden suggests a bacterial infection as the cause of death.

18 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Humpback whale off Rügen likely died from bacterial infection — Photo: qiv · Flickr · BY-SA

Scientists have determined after the autopsy of a humpback whale found in Greifswalder Bodden that the whale likely died from a bacterial infection. According to reports, it may have suffered from sepsis and had abscesses.

Previous sightings of the whale could also indicate a connection to its current health condition. However, details regarding the exact cause of death have not yet been conclusively established.

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