Question Of The Day - December 12,2008
Connect the ship and bell to a particular institution. Explain the significance of the bell.1 point for each image. 1 point for the connection. 1 point for the explanation of significance. Total 4 points.(Contributed by Rohit Nair
Current Quizzing)[4 Points]
ANSWER:-
1.The Lutine Bell:The ship's bell (engraved "ST. JEAN - 1779") was recovered on 17 July 1858. 2.The Lutine:a Magicienne class frigate of the French Navy.
Connection:-Lloyd's of London: a British insurance market.Lutine was launched in 1779, captured by the Royal Navy, recommissioned as HMS Lutine, and lost in 1799.She sank on 9 October 1799 carrying a large cargo of gold, the majority of which remains unsalvagedThe gold was insured by Lloyd's of London, which paid the claim in full.The Lutine Bell from the ship is preserved at Lloyd's of London.
Significance:-In the great Underwriting Room of Lloyd's stands the Lutine Bell, which was struck when the fate of a ship “overdue” at its destination port became known. If the ship was safe, the bell would be rung twice: if it had sunk, the bell would be rung once. (This had the practical purpose of immediately stopping the sale or purchase of “overdue” reinsurance on that vessel.) Now it is only rung for ceremonial purposes, such as the visit of a distinguished guest (two rings), or for the annual Remembrance Day service; and for major world catastrophes, such as 9/11 and the Asian Tsunami Disaster (one ring).
