Bering, Vitus

(1681-1741). Born at Horsens, Denmark. Joined the Ru ian navy in 1704; and in 1725 sent by Peter the Great to explore the waters east of Kamchatka, and examine the American coast. After a three-years' journey overland, reached the eastern coast of Siberia, built ve els there, and in 1728 followed the coast north to the Arctic, proving that Asia and America were not united. In 1733 set out again on the long overland journey, hampered with a huge retinue, and it was not until 1741 that his ships were ready at Petropaulovsk. Sailed to the east, reached and explored the American coast, and was wrecked on what was afterwards known as Bering Island, where he died, Dec. 8, 1741. Index : D His explorations, 39, 40; his death, 1741, 40. Bib. : Lauridsen, Vitus Bering ; Muller, Voyages from Asia to America ; Laut, Vikings of the Pacific .