Fourth Kuril Strait Explained

The Fourth Kuril Strait is a very deep strait separating the islands of Onekotan and Paramushir in the Kuril Islands, Russia. It is 46.7 km (about 29 mi) wide. It was formerly known as the Amphitrite Strait.^[1] The flood tidal current in the strait sets west-northwest, while the ebb flows in the opposite direction. These currents may reach over two knots.^[2]

History

Between 1849 and 1874, the strait was the most common route for American whaleships entering^[3] and exiting^[4] the Sea of Okhotsk on their way to and from cruises for bowhead and right whales. They called it the 50 Passage or Paramushir Passage. Some even chased right whales on passage through the strait.^[5]

References

49.8333°N 155°W

Notes and References

1. King, John W. (1861). The China Pilot. London: Printed for the Hydrographic Office, Admiralty.
2. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. (2014). Sailing Directions (Enroute): East Coast of Russia. U.S. Government, Springfield, Virginia.
3. Nimrod, of New Bedford, July 27, 1849, Nicholson Whaling Collection (NWC); Java, of New Bedford, April 14, 1866, Kendall Whaling Museum (KWM).
4. Mary and Susan, of Stonington, Aug. 25, 1849, NWC; Sea Breeze, of New Bedford, Oct. 13, 1874, George Blunt White Library.
5. Hudson, of Fairhaven, Oct. 6, 1857, KWM.