NEWS
27/09/2026, 10:30 am
Provision of historical AIS data (VesselFinder)
For the analysis and evaluation of the vessel movements of the towing convoy during the transport and subsequent release of the humpback whale Timmy/Hope, we purchased historical vessel and position data from the provider VesselFinder.
Datasets for the following vessels are available:
FORTUNA B – IMO 7349455 / MMSI 219035821
ARNE TISELIUS – IMO 7517624 / MMSI 219012162
ROBIN HOOD – IMO 9096454 / MMSI 211118520
We are hereby also making the acquired data available for independent examination, research and verification. This is intended to enable users to track chronological sequences, positions, speeds, courses and changes in vessel movements on the basis of the historical AIS data themselves, and to independently and objectively verify our evaluations (which will follow) based upon them.
Of paramount importance are the events on the morning of 02 May 2026 during the period between approx. 08:40 and 08:50 German time (CEST) = 06:40 to 06:50 (UTC). The primary movements of the vessels FORTUNA B and ROBIN HOOD in connection with the release of the whale from the transport barge can already be viewed here in the VesselFinder Voyage Player in the highest available temporal resolution (seconds).
The relevant dataset is also listed below under item 3. It is of particular importance as it displays the movements of the vessels in a combined view. For the operation and interplay of the various setting options (Vessels, Course, Name, Speed and playback speed), a terminal device with a larger display and user interface (at least a tablet) is recommended.
Update from 28/09/2026: We have now also added the complete position report of the three vessels FORTUNA B, ROBIN HOOD and ARNE TISELIUS in the highest temporal resolution (seconds). For the critical phase of the whale's release from the barge, this report shows the exact speed changes of FORTUNA B and ROBIN HOOD, as well as the heading changes of ROBIN HOOD as the whale transitioned from the barge into open water. In addition, a position report of ROBIN HOOD in 5-minute resolution has been added (Downloads at the end of the report.)
Note on time specification: The historical data provided by VesselFinder uses UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). On 02 May 2026, Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) was in effect in Germany. The UTC time indicated in the datasets is therefore two hours behind German time. A time specification of 06:30 UTC therefore corresponds to 08:30 CEST.
The datasets also cover periods outside of the actual rescue operation. This is also intended to enable verification of vessel movements discussed on social networks.
To date, EUR 1,385.00 has been spent on acquiring the data.
Provided data (original source addressing):
1.) Below is your access to the Voyage Analyser where you can explore the data for each vessel individually:
2.) Below is your access to the Voyage Player where you can playback the vessel movements on the map:
3.) Combined data ROBIN HOOD, FORTUNA B and ARNE TISELIUS
from 2 May 2026 06:30 UTC to 2 May 2026 09:30 UTC
Here is the description of all data fields in the report.
Here is your access to the Voyage Analyser
Here is your access to the Voyage Player.
Preliminary classification of the relevant vessel movements
The screen recording below depicts the movements of FORTUNA B and ROBIN HOOD during the decisive phase for the whale's release between 08:40 and 08:50 German time (CEST) = 06:40 to 06:50 (UTC). It can be seen that the ROBIN HOOD reduces its speed within a short time from 2.8 kn to as low as 0.2 kn, while the FORTUNA B continues its journey at a virtually constant speed. After the ROBIN HOOD decelerates, a significant change in its bow heading is also visible.
This movement data is significant because during the release, without the consent or presence of authorized individuals, the humpback whale was held back against the continuing transport barge by means of a rope attached to its fluke and connected to the ROBIN HOOD, thereby pulling it out of the barge. Crucial for further investigation is the point in time when the rope came under tension, and the resulting mechanical stress transferred to the whale's fluke and body. A potential moment of surprise or panic for the animal (sudden pulling effect on the body), stabilizing movements (e.g. spreading of the flippers) as well as the non-frictionless surface of the transport barge must be taken into account.
Therefore, it is not only the speed of the vessels FORTUNA B and ROBIN HOOD that is decisive, but the specific mechanical sequence at the moment the rope came under tension, in particular the relative speed, the distance between the towing vessel (ROBIN HOOD) and the whale, and the resulting rope tension.
The AIS data documents the movement of the vessels involved; however, the forces actually acting on the whale cannot be determined from this data.
Based on the complete position data as well as other available technical and physical parameters, a separate physical-technical analysis will therefore be carried out. The objective is to calculate the pulling forces and mechanical stresses acting during the release process as accurately as possible, and to determine which forces acted on the fluke and body of the humpback whale.
We have commissioned a specialist institute with these calculations. As soon as results are available, we will make them accessible as a supplementary report.
