William Baffin English navigator Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Career
2. Arctic Explorations
3. Disappointment on the Northwest Passage
4. Expedition to India and Persian Gulf

Early Life and Career

Little is known about the early life of William Baffin, an English explorer, except that he was likely born in London. He first appeared in historical records in 1612 as a first mate on Captain James Hall's expedition to find the Northwest Passage to India. Captain Hall was killed in a clash with indigenous people along the west coast of Greenland.

Arctic Explorations

After Hall's death, Baffin spent the next two years engaged in whaling. In 1615, he was entrusted with another expedition to search for the Northwest Passage. Aboard the ship "Discovery," Baffin navigated through Hudson Strait, meticulously recording astronomical observations. Two centuries later, in 1821, Sir Edward Parry verified the accuracy of Baffin's observations.

Disappointment on the Northwest Passage

Despite Baffin's groundbreaking explorations, his hopes of discovering the Northwest Passage proved futile. After the expedition, he entered the service of the British East India Company.

Expedition to India and Persian Gulf

Between 1617 and 1619, Baffin led an expedition to Surat, India. In 1622, he played a prominent role in the Anglo-Persian attack on the island of Kishm. Tragically, Baffin was killed during the conflict on January 23rd, 1622.