Heleysundet


Heleysundet is a narrow sound between Kükenthaløya and Spitsbergen. It is known for its violent tidal races.
Heleysundet was discovered by the 60-ton ship John Ellis in 1617, which had been sent out by the Muscovy Company to explore to the south-eastwards of Spitsbergen. The sound was named after the Englishman William Heley, a supercargo and vice-admiral of the English whaling fleet from 1617 to 1623.