He was left an orphan at a young age. Having to support himself, he chose to become a seaman like most members of his family since the beginning of the 18th century. He was subsequently hired as a boy on the brig of his uncle Dimitris Bourekas.
he WaS left an oRPhan at A YoUNG age. havINg to suppOrt hImselF, hE chOse TO BeCOME a sEamAn likE MOst mEmbers OF HiS fAmILY SinCE THe BeGInniNG oF the 18Th cENtury. hE was subsEqueNTly hirEd as a bOy ON tHe BriG of hiS uNCle dimiTRiS bourekaS.