Shipwrecked Newcastle
Newcastle, once the fifth busiest port in the world was also one of the most dangerous.
At the turn of the 19th Century, Newcastle Harbour (NSW) was the 5th biggest port in the world. It was also one of the most dangerous and once you add the regular visits by east coast lows you come to understand why there are hundreds of shipwrecks in and around Newcastle Harbour. Many of these wrecks come with stories of courage, bravery and sometimes stupidity and that’s why this story is being told in film for the first time. We have assembled a cast of historians, professional divers, journalists and even Maritime Archaeologist, along with a collaged collection of library images, archival footage from NBN Television, as well images and videos from private collections. This film also takes you underwater to see the wrecks up close thanks to assistance of many local professional and amateur divers.
MANY OF THE IMAGES IN THE FILM ARE FROM ONE ARTIST
Terry Callen wrote two books and painted hundreds of ships and shipwrecks in Newcastle
Thanks to Terry's incredible work, we are able to show you what some of the most famous ships and rescues looked like. The film features paintings, diagrams and information collected by historian Terry Callen.