Lost Childhood at Sea: A Boy’s Hidden Journey on Bering’s Brutal Voyage

A decade of ice, hunger, and survival—through a child’s eyes. How one boy’s sketches rewrote the story of Bering’s infamous expedition. His drawings survived. His name was nearly lost.

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2025 December 27 . 5:39 AM

1 min read

In the picture there is a bag and some books on a bed. On the bag it was written library lovers.

Lost Childhood at Sea: A Boy’s Hidden Journey on Bering’s Brutal Voyage

A Kamchatka-based writer has uncovered a little-known story from Russia’s maritime history. Yelena Panyukina’s book, Expedition for Growth, reveals how a child endured Vitus Bering’s gruelling decade-long voyage. The work has now earned her a spot on the shortlist for the Far East Literary Prize.

The book centres on Lavrenty Vaksel, a young participant in the Second Kamchatka Expedition (1733–1743). Historical records rarely mention children on such journeys, yet Panyukina’s research confirms Vaksel’s presence. To cope with the harsh conditions, he turned to drawing, leaving behind a visual record of the expedition.

Illustrations in the book were recreated by cadets from the Tver Suvorov Military School. Their work brings Vaksel’s sketches to life, offering readers a child’s perspective on the long and perilous voyage. Vaksel himself later rose to the rank of rear admiral in the Russian Navy. The Far East Literary Prize has shortlisted nine titles across three categories: Long Prose, Short Prose, and Children’s Prose. Panyukina’s book competes in one of these, standing out for its blend of historical detail and youthful narrative.

Panyukina’s research fills a gap in accounts of the Second Kamchatka Expedition. The book not only highlights Vaksel’s early experiences but also preserves them through modern illustrations. Its recognition by the Far East Literary Prize brings wider attention to this overlooked chapter of history.