Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen

Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen (1778-1852), Russian explorer and naval officer, born on the island of Ösel (now Saaremaa), Estonia. Bellingshausen entered the imperial Russian navy in 1797, and received his training at the port of Kronshtadt. In 1809, as a commissioned naval officer, he participated in the Russian action against Sweden. Ten years later he was given command of two ships, Vostok and Mirny, and ordered to explore Antarctica. In 1819 he penetrated 70° South latitude into the Antarctic sea now bearing his name. In the sea he discovered and named Peter I and Alexander I islands, although he did not actually sight the continent. On his return trip to Russia in 1821, Bellingshausen explored the Society Islands, one of which now bears his name. During the Russian war with Turkey (1828-1829), he distinguished himself at Varna (now in Bulgaria) and was promoted to vice-admiral. He was later named admiral and was appointed governor of Kronshtadt.