American whaleships cruised for bowhead whales around the Shantar Islands between 1852 and 1907. They anchored among the islands to send whaleboats into the bays to the south and west, including Uda, Tugur, and Ulban Bays. They sought shelter under Bolshoy Shantar, Medvezhy, Malyy Shantar, and Feklistova Islands from strong winds and gales as well as to obtain wood and water. At least four ships were wrecked on the islands: one on the Pinnacle Rocks, one on Medvezhy and two on Bolshoy Shantar during gales in October 1858 and August 1907.