STRIPPING naked and plunging into an icy sea with two huge creatures of the deep is not for the faint of heart.

But Russian diver Natalia Avseenko, 36, has done just that - in the name of science. She attempted to interact with two beluga whales in a unique experiment in the White Sea, off Russia's far northwest coast.

Natalia stripped for her swim in -1.5C water because marine experts believe belugas do not like to be touched by artificial material such as diving suits.

And the belugas - famed for the way their faces seem to convey expressions - enjoyed the experience, happily frolicking with their naked friend.

Originally published as Icy beauty goes skinny-dipping