Oslo, September 1: A beluga whale named "Hvaldimir", who was suspected to be a Russian spy and caught everyone's attention in 2019, reportedly died in Norway recently. Back then, the whale became famous after it was allegedly spotted wearing a camera harness. According to news reports, the 14-foot-long and 2,700-pound beluga whale was allegedly found dead in Norway on Saturday, August 31.

The beluga whale had got the nickname "Hvaldimir" by netizens after they suspected the whale to be a "spy". The news was confirmed by Sebastian Strand, founder of a nonprofit called Marine Mind, which worked to protect the whale. Strand said that he saw the dead beluga whale reportedly floating near Risavika in southwestern Norway. Russian ‘Spy' Beluga Whale Hvaldimir & Seagull Spotted Playing Together in Norwegian Harbour, Adorable Video Goes Viral.

Beluga 'Spy' Whale Returns iPhone to Woman in Norway

Story Behind Beluga Whale Getting Nicknamed 'Hvaldimir'

Popularly called "Hvaldimir," the whale's name has a unique story. The name Hvaldimir is a combination of the Norwegian word "hval," meaning whale, and the Russian name "Vladimir." Back in 2019, when the whale was spotted, its harness camera harness had the label "equipment" from St Petersburg, which sparked rumours of it being a "spy" whale of Russia.

Although it wasn't clear what caused the death of the "Russian Spy Whale", suspicions are being raised about the beluga whale's death. Sebastian Strand said that the whale was found dead with markings around its body, which birds or other marine animals could have caused. The founder of Marine Mine founder also said that he would be sending Hvaldimir to a facility where the whale's carcass could be preserved for long enough. Russia's 'Spy' Beluga Whale Returns iPhone to Woman Who Dropped It in the Sea, Video Goes Viral.

Suspicions Raised Over 'Russian Spy' Whale's Death

Russian Spy Whale Died Near the Coast of Norway, Claims X User

'Russian Spy' Whale Came to Limelight in 2019

Notably, the "Russian spy" whale Hvaldimir came to the limelight after it was spotted in northern Norway in 2019. Last year, the Norway government requested people to contact the beluga whale after it was spotted in a fjord close to Oslo, Norway's capital. Soon after the whale was spotted with a camera harness linked to St Petersburg, many wondered if the animal was on an alleged Russian reconnaissance mission. White 'Beluga' Whale Trained by Russian Military Found off North Norway With Harness (See Pictures).

'Spy' Beluga Whale Plays with Seagull

However, it must be noted that so far, Russia has not made any claims over the ownership of the whale. In 2019, after it was spotted, the "Russian spy" whale Hvaldimir won everyone's hearts after it was seen getting friendly with a seagull in Norway's Hammerfest harbour. The viral clip showed the beluga whale making attempts to become pals with the seabird. It was known to be friendly and was said to be comfortable around people.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2024 10:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).