Copenhagen: 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 come from a Russian military facility.

A beluga whale swims next to a fishing boat before Norwegian fishermen removed the tight harness. Credit:AP

Joergen Ree Wiig of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries says "Equipment St Petersburg" is written on the harness strap, which features a mount for an action camera.

He said on Monday fishermen in Arctic Norway last week reported the tame white cetacean with a tight harness swimming around. On Friday, fisherman Joar Hesten, aided by the Ree Wiig, jumped into the frigid water to remove the harness.

Ree Wiig said "people in Norway's military have shown great interest" in the harness.