William Baffin (Baffin William)

(1584-1622)
Born in 1584, probably in London. In 1612, accompanied by James Hall during the expedition, whose purpose was the discovery of the North-West sea route. Explored the west coast of Greenland to 67 б° s.sh. In 1613 Baffin commanded the British whaling fleet in the region of Spitsbergen. In 1615 navigator in the northern part of the expedition on the ship 'Discovery' under the leadership of Robert Baylota and explored a large bay, later called Baffin Sea. Explored Hudson Strait and the east coast o.Sautgempton with such thoroughness that made them determine latitudes coincide with the later more precise observations. One of the first trying to determine longitude at sea by astronomical data. In 1616, during the second expedition, passing through the Strait of Davis, reached 78 б° s.sh. He opened the Straits Smith, Lancaster, Jones and several islands. He was killed on Jan. 23, 1622 during the siege of the British and the Persians o.Kish in the Persian Gulf (other sources, has died at o.Ormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf).