On the 23rd of June 1786, the French explorer Laperouse, coming from Hawaii caught sight of Mount Saint Elias and explored what are now Yakutat Bay and Monty Bay. He was the leader of a scientific expedition of two ships : La Boussole and l'Astrolabe.

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The purpose of the expedition organized by King Louis XVI, was to make a precise chart of the world and to explore remaining unknown parts.

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On July 2nd, the expedition had its first contact with the indigenous population; the following day they entered Lituya Bay.

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On July 13th, 21 sailors and scientists vanished in the treacherous waters of the bay's entrance.