Photostory: ‘Spy’ whale found off Norwegian coast

A beluga whale found with a tight harness that appeared to be Russian-made has raised the alarm of Norwegian officials and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility.

The whale  was discovered by fishermen off the coast of northern Norway, close to of Inga, Norway.

Beluga Whale with harness discovered in Norway
A handout photo made available by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries (Sea Surveillance Service) shows the beluga whale wearing the harness. Photo: EPA-EFE / JORGEN REE WIIG / NORWEGIAN DIRECTORATE OF FISHERIES (SEA SYRVEILLANCE SERVICE)

Joergen Ree Wiig of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries said the mammal had  “Equipment St. Petersburg” is written on the harness strap, and  had a mount for an action camera.

Russia does not have a history of using whales for military purposes but the Soviet Union had a full-fledged training program for dolphins.

 

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