 The most tragic maritime accident of the 20th century in Newcastle occurred on 9 August 1934 when the Stockton-bound ferry "Bluebell" collided with the coastal freighter, "Waraneen", and sank in the middle of the Hunter River.The Bluebell Collision claimed three lives and fifteen passengers were admitted to the Newcastle Hospital, with two suffering severely from the effects of immersion.It was later found that the ferry captain was at fault.