Yakshin Bay

Yakshin Bay (Russian: Guba Yakshina) is a small bight in the western Sea of Okhotsk. It is 29 km (about 18 mi) wide and indents the southwest side of Bolshoy Shantar Island. The bay is entered between Capes Raduzhnyy to the west and Filippa to the east. The Yakshin River flows into the head of the bay. There is ice in the bay from December to July. Tides rise 4.9 m (16 ft) at springs, with the flood current flowing in a counterclockwise direction round the bay and the ebb in the reverse direction. These tidal currents may reach 3.5 to 4 knots near the entrance of the bay but are less than 2 knots at its head.[1]

History

American whaleships targeting bowhead whales visited Yakshin Bay from 1858 to 1889.[2][3] They called it Big Shantar Bight[4] or the Forks of Big Shantar.[5] Ships anchored in the bay to send boats out to cruise for whales,[6] to get wood and water[7] or shelter from strong winds,[8] and to smoke the ship for rats.[9] Boats were also sent ashore to collect berries[10] and gather mussels[11] and clams.[12]

The rusting remains of a 19th-century whaling station (perhaps American), including a steam engine and a meat grinder, exist at the head of the bay.

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References
  1. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. (2014). Sailing Directions (Enroute): East Coast of Russia. U.S. Government, Springfield, Virginia.
  2. Endeavor, of New Bedford, September 12-15, 1858, Nicholson Whaling Collection (NWC).
  3. E. F. Herriman, of San Francisco, September 19-21, September 28, October 10-13, 1889, George Blunt White Library (GBWL).
  4. Sea Breeze, of New Bedford, August 12-14, 1874, GBWL.
  5. Milo, of New Bedford, August 31, 1861, Kendall Whaling Museum (KWM).
  6. Favorite, of Fairhaven, August 26, 1860, KWM.
  7. Java, of New Bedford, September 17-19, 1866, KWM.
  8. Milo, of New Bedford, September 6-8, 1861, KWM.
  9. Bart Gosnold, of New Bedford, August 24, 1863, GBWL.
  10. E. F. Herriman, of San Francisco, September 20, 1889, GBWL.
  11. Favorite, of Fairhaven, August 25, 1860, KWM.
  12. Favorite, of Fairhaven, September 20, 1860, KWM.

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