“It is not far from Moscow to the Polar Circle dive centre – about 2,000 kilometres. For Russians, this is even considered close. While our train was carrying us from the spring capital to the snowy north, we were chatting and smiling, but I could see the same thoughts in the eyes of my friends that lingered in mine: “Will she really dive?”
Marine experts believe belugas do not like to be touched by artificial materials such as diving suits. Thus, in a unique and controversial experiment, scientist Natalie Avseenko would swim naked to see how these creatures would take to a human, au naturel. The skilled Russian diver took the plunge as the water temperature hit -1.5ºC”
Tag Archives: White Whales
Belugas: Northern Mermaids – NG piece
One more publication in National Geographic Magazine
There are not too many legends about white whales in this part of the world. People say that St Zosimus, the founder of the Solovetsky Monastery, sailed to the island on a beluga’s back. There is also a legend that speaks of sailors, out at sea for many months, would become mad and would see belugas as beautiful naked women. Here, specifically, began the myth of mermaids.
To read the entire article click here