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A beluga whale suspected of being a Russian “spy whale” dies in Norway.
The beluga, known as “Hvaldimir,” was first spotted by a group of Norwegian fishermen in 2019 about 180 miles from Russia’s maritime border when it swam to the organization’s vessel wearing a harness attached to a small camera. It also says “Equip St. Petersburg”.
The discovery led to the belief that the whale was a Russian spy – although the Russian Navy denied this at the time, explaining in a statement to Russian broadcasters in 2019 that “we have military dolphins for combat missions and we Not covered, according to BBC News.
“If we were using this animal for espionage, do you really think we would attach a mobile phone number with the message ‘Please call this number’?” the Russian Navy reportedly added.
On Saturday, August 31, the NGO Ocean Mind announced Hvaldimer’s death in a post on Instagram paying tribute to him.
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Jorgen Ree Wiig, Norwegian Fisheries Directorate, Photo: AP
“*In memory of Hvardimir* It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Hvardimir’s passing,” their caption read. “This morning, after receiving reports of sightings from locals, our team arrived to find Hvardimir floating peacefully in the water. The cause of his death is currently unknown and a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine whether he died prematurely.
“Over the past five years, he touched the lives of tens of thousands of people, bringing people together in awe of the wonders of nature,” they continued alongside a photo of the whale. “His presence makes us understand the importance of ocean protection, and at the same time, he also makes us understand more about ourselves.”
The NGO added, “Havardi Mir bridged the gap between humans and wildlife in a way that few people could. He was special to many and a gift to all who had the privilege of meeting him. people who left a lasting mark.
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Jorgen Ree Wiig, Norwegian Fisheries Directorate, Photo: AP
“RIP Hvaldimir. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. 🌊💙,” they said before signing off with the hashtags, “#Hvaldimir #MarineMind #OceanConservation #BelugaWhale #InMemory.
The Norwegian Fisheries Agency said in a statement to People magazine that “Hvardimir” was discovered in the port of Stavanger in southwestern Norway. The 14-foot-long, 2,700-pound whale has been living in the area since 2023, NBC News reported.
“Due to the widespread concern this whale has attracted, the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate has decided to conduct a necropsy to determine the cause of death,” the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate added. “The necropsy was carried out by the Norwegian Veterinary Research Institute and the conclusions will be published within two to three weeks.”
