Wat-Not Staff
Five years after being found in Norwegian waters, a beluga whale that was thought to be spying for Russia was discovered dead, according to the non-profit organization that had been keeping an eye on the whale.
The ‘Spy Whale’ Found Dead
Since being seen for the first time in the north of the country in April 2019, the white beluga whale has been seen frequently along Norway’s coast. It was carrying a harness and what looked to be a mount for a small camera. Along with a buckle bearing the inscription “Equipment St. Petersburg,” this led to rumors that the animal was a fugitive “spy whale” that had been educated for combat duty in Russia’s neighbor.
The locals named their whale Hvaldimir, a play on the first name of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Norwegian term for whale, “hval,” as the whale appeared to like being among people. The 14-foot, 2,700-pound whale, which had been living in the region since last year, was discovered dead in the harbor of Stavanger, a city in southwest Norway, on Saturday, according to a statement released by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries on Monday.
Non Profit Organization Shows Its Sorrow
Strand said he was shocked by the whale’s untimely passing. Strand has been following Hvaldimir’s travels for the past three years on behalf of the non-profit Marine Mind, which has its headquarters in Norway.
“Hvaldimir was not just a beluga whale; he was a beacon of hope, a symbol of connection, and a reminder of the deep bond between humans and the natural world,” Marine Mind, nonprofit organization that had been tracking his movements, said on social media.
Telling about their loss they said Unfortunately, we found Hvaldimir floating in the sea. He has passed away but it’s not immediately clear what the cause of death is.
Showing his immense remorse, Strand said, “It’s absolutely horrible.” “He was apparently in good condition as of (Friday). So we just have to figure out what might have happened here.”
According to NGO Marine Mind’s website, Hvaldimir responded to hand signals and showed a keen interest in people.
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