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The British Steamer "Bengal" bringing a supposed Russian Prize into Madras Harbour, 1854. Creator: Unknown. The British Steamer "Bengal" bringing a supposed Russian Prize into Madras Harbour, 1854. Creator: Unknown
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The British Steamer "Bengal" bringing a supposed Russian Prize into Madras Harbour, 1854. Creator: Unknown. The British Steamer "Bengal" bringing a supposed Russian Prize into Madras Harbour, 1854. Creator: Unknown
The British Steamer "Bengal" bringing a supposed Russian Prize into Madras Harbour, 1854. Madras [Chennai in India] was thrown into a state of great excitement by the appearance of a ship bearing Russian colours...The Bengal, having first ascertained that the lady passengers had been duly furnished with their morning cup of tea, steamed forth on her dubious mission, and to the lasting honour of the Peninsular and Oriental service, challenged, boarded, and captured the stranger, whom she took in tow, and anchored within musket-range of the Custom-house. The crew, sixteen in number, and all natives of Finland, were brought on shore...On inspecting the ship's papers, it turned out that she was the Idealet, from Hartlepool to Madras, laden with coal, and out from England 145 days...there was nothing for it but to release the ship and crew...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the moment of excitement and tension in Madras Harbour, India, in 1854, as the British steamer Bengal brings a supposed Russian prize into the harbour. The image, created by an unknown photographer, depicts the Bengal, a vessel of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, proudly anchoring with a smaller ship in tow, flying the Russian flag. The scene unfolded when Madras, now known as Chennai, was thrown into a state of great excitement by the appearance of a ship bearing Russian colours. The Bengal, with its reputation for bravery and quick action, was dispatched to investigate. After a daring challenge and boarding, the Bengal successfully captured the stranger, which turned out to be the Idealet, a ship en route from Hartlepool to Madras with a cargo of coal. The crew of sixteen, all natives of Finland, were brought ashore for questioning. However, upon inspecting the ship's papers, it was discovered that the Idealet was not a prize to be claimed but a legitimate vessel that had inadvertently raised the Russian flag due to a misunderstanding. With no grounds for keeping the ship or its crew, the Idealet was released, and the Bengal continued its journey, leaving behind a tale of adventure and miscommunication in the bustling Madras Harbour.
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