Bastesen was best known for his vigorous advocacy of whaling, and usually appeared on television or at events wearing a seal-fur vest, which was met with controversy, especially abroad.
While attending a trade convention in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1994, his vest was confiscated as it violated American import laws on whaling products, but was returned to him via mail two years later.
[5] Bastesen struggled with health issues for the last decades of his life, which he later said was a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, excessive drinking, and overworking himself.
[6] In late 2001, he suffered a series of strokes that left him hospitalized for several months and during the first weeks it was unclear whether or not he would survive, but he eventually made a full recovery.
Bastesen began exercising and changing his lifestyle to avoid further health issues, losing 30 kgs (66 lbs) of weight.