Ukrainian Attack Dolphins Are On The Loose [Report]

Three Ukrainian attack dolphins are on the loose in the Black Sea after they apparently escaped from the country’s military. The “killer” dolphins apparently swam away from their handlers during training exercises.

Ukranian media initially reported the dolphins’ escape, saying that only two of the five military-trained dolphins returned to their base after a recent exercise. An expert believes that they probably left to look for mates.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry denies having a program involving dolphins, even though dolphins with military equipment strapped to them have been photographed by the country’s media on occasion.

Yury Plyachenko, a former Soviet naval anti-sabotage officer, confirmed the existence of the Ukrainian attack dolphins. He explained:

“Control over dolphins was quite common in the 1980’s. If a male dolphin saw a female dolphin during the mating season, then he would immediately set off after her. But they came back in a week or so.”

Dolphins have reportedly been used in Russia’s military since the 1970s. After the USSR broke up, however, control of the killer dolphins was handed to the Ukrainian Navy.

The dolphins have apparently been trained for multiple uses. Not only can they find military equipment like mines on the seabed, they can reportedly attack divers and even carry explosives on their heads to plant on enemy ships.

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A military source in Sevastopol stated that the attack dolphins trained to attack enemies can carry special knives or pistols on their heads. There is no evidence for whether the dolphins were equipped with weapons when they made their escape. Despite the fact that the attack dolphins may be trained to go after certain people, it is understandable to be wary if you are swimming in the Black Sea anytime soon.

Along with Ukraine, the US military has announced it trains dolphins. But, it assures that its dolphins are not trained for attack missions. There are also rumors that Iran may have attack dolphins, though there is no confirmation.

Do you believe that Ukrainian attack dolphins are on the loose, or is it simply a rumor?

[Image via ShutterStock]