In July 1821, the exploration ships “Vostok” and “Mirny”, led by Russian explorers Bellingshausen and Lazarev, embarked on a quest to find the “Great Southern Continent,” a legend that circulated widely at the time. Their goal was to reach the southernmost lands and discover territories unknown to the world. After five months at sea, they arrived at South Georgia Island at 54 degrees 30 minutes South latitude in December. Shortly thereafter, they reached South Sandwich Island (now known as the Sandwich Islands) and continued their journey southward.
Along the way, the explorers battled fierce storms, floating icebergs, and thick fog. The journey was incredibly arduous and perilous.
By January 1823, the Russian expedition ships had entered the Antarctic Circle. Before their eyes unfolded a series of astonishing sights that left them in awe: the color of the sea changed, and flat-topped icebergs appeared, surrounded by steep cliffs.
The ice islands were motionless, while birds circled in the sky. Were these signs indicating that they were close to land? Encouraged, the crew pressed on to the coordinates of 67 degrees 22 minutes South latitude and 2 degrees 15 minutes West longitude, just 22,000 meters from the continent. However, a massive iceberg emerged, blocking their path, forcing the ships to retreat against the wind via a detour. Unfortunately, on a stormy day with dark clouds and howling winds, the expedition had to turn back north towards Australia to avoid the storm, missing a significant opportunity.
In November 1823, as spring approached in the Southern Hemisphere, the two exploration ships set sail once again. By January 1824, they re-entered the Antarctic Circle. On a clear day, as the fog gradually lifted, the crew suddenly spotted a distant dark silhouette resembling land. Overjoyed, they continued for an additional 29,000 meters. Indeed, a long island measuring 16,000 meters in length and approximately 7,000 meters in width came into clear view, located at 68 degrees 19 minutes South latitude and 72 degrees 40 minutes West longitude. This was the first part of the Antarctic continent visible to explorers. They fired cannons in celebration and named it “Alexander Island.”
Regarding this matter, Americans have a different perspective. They claim that the Antarctic continent was first discovered by Captain Bai Meier of the whaling ship Haro on January 18, 1822. At that time, Bai Meier was also aboard the Bielinsgafu, where he gave an interview about his discovery of the Antarctic continent. However, the Russians do not acknowledge this claim. They argue that there is no document or evidence to prove that Bai Meier provided an interview on the Bielinsgafu.
Both sides present compelling evidence to assert their claim as the first discoverers of the Antarctic continent. Thus, to this day, the question of who truly discovered the Antarctic continent remains a topic of debate.