The Explorers Podcast Semyon Dezhnev and the exploration of Siberia
Mar 17, 2026
A harrowing 17th century Arctic voyage across ice, storms, and hostile encounters. Overland survival and a brutal trek to the Anadyr River. Founding a remote fort and years of exploration upriver. A sudden ivory bonanza from walrus rookeries that reshaped fortunes. A long arc from peril to recognition and later obscurity, with modern commemorations honoring the explorer.
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Korches Were Ice Adapted Round Boats
- Korches were shallow, rounded single-masted boats adapted for ice, able to be pushed up onto floes rather than crushed.
- They ranged 30–70 ft, carried 6–13 men, and were common for river-to-coastal Arctic travel.
Many Boats Lost Before Rounding The Cape
- On June 20, 1648, seven korches left the Kolyma mouth; by August four were lost to wrecks or attacks and only three remained.
- After rounding Cape Dezhnev, Ankhudinov's boat wrecked and occupants attacked, leaving two vessels.
Wreck And Overland Trek Led To Anadyr
- A storm separated the last two ships; Dezhnev's was wrecked and he marched north with ~25 men to find the Onory River.
- After 10 weeks they reached the Anadyr mouth, unknowingly becoming first Europeans to traverse the Bering Strait region.