The Bluebell Collision, Maritime accident site in Newcastle Harbor, Australia
The location marks where ferry Bluebell and coastal freighter Waraneen struck each other in the Hunter River at Newcastle Harbor. The coordinates at 32.9223°S and 151.781°E identify the exact point of this maritime collision within the harbor.
In 1934 the two vessels collided during the night, resulting in three deaths. The incident later influenced safety protocols for maritime traffic in the harbor.
The Maritime Museum in Newcastle displays the recovered rudder from the vessel, preserving memory of this maritime event for visitors. The artifact serves as a tangible connection to a moment that shaped local maritime awareness.
The location lies in the Hunter River within an active harbor zone, so direct access is limited or not possible. Visitors can learn about the history instead at the Maritime Museum, where key artifacts and information are available.
The last survivor of the incident, Ed Felton, remained a witness to this story for over seven decades. His long life allowed personal accounts and details to be documented that might otherwise have been lost.
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