BERING Vintu Jonassen (Bering Vitus Jonassen)

(1681-1741)
Born December 19, 1681 in Horsens (Denmark). He studied at the sea cadet corps. Sailed on the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic. He was invited on behalf of Peter I to serve in Russia. Participated in the Russian-Turkish war of 1710-1713, in the North War. In 1725, received the assignment from the government find out whether Asia to North America. After three years of training sailed from Kamchatka to the north to 67 б° 18 ', where land was not visible neither in the north or the east. Having proved that Asia and America are separated by the strait (later named Bering Sea) in May 1730, Bering returned to St. Petersburg, provided a report and suggested that a survey of the northern coast of Russia and equip an expedition to America and Japan. Great Northern Expedition started in 1733 and continued until 1743. In its course was mapped the coast of the Arctic Ocean, and also open Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, etc.. In 1741 Behring again sailed to the east and reached the coast of Alaska north of Cape SW. Elijah. On the way back during the forced hibernation Bering died on Dec. 19, 1741 on the island, located east of Kamchatka and the incoming group of the Commander Islands (now of the Behring-in).