Bellot Strait

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coordinates: 72°00′33″N, 94°30′18″W Bellot Strait is a passage of water in the Northwest Territories separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula, the northernmost part of mainland North America. The 2 km (1.2 mi) strait connects the Gulf of Boothia and Prince Regent Inlet with Peel Sound and Franklin Strait.

The north side of the strait rises steeply to approximately 450 m (1,500 ft), and the south shore to approximately 750 m (2,500 ft).

Bellot Strait was discovered in 1852 by Captain William Kennedy, who was at the time searching for Sir John Franklin's lost Arctic expedition. It was named after Joseph René Bellot, who accompanied Kennedy. The strait was first crossed by the Hudson's Bay Company ship Aklavik in 1937, who travelled from the western shore to the eastern.

The Fort Ross trading post, on the northern shore, was established in 1937.

The current in the strait can run at up to 8 knots and often changes its direction. It is also often filled with small icebergs which pose a danger to ships in the strait.