On the 9 of August 1934 the ferry steamer Blue Bell collided with the freighter Waraneen and sank immediately. Three women passengers were drowned, one of whom jumped out of the ferry upon collision hoping to make it to the Waraneen. The remaining 40 passengers were saved amongst them the master, Captain Evans. The vessel was refloated a few days later for inspection, and following an inquiry the court found the steamer to be at fault in causing the event.
The screw steamer was built in 1914 by Callen in Stockton, Newcastle and owned by Newcastle Ferries, registered in Newcastle. The vessel was 40 tons in register and 19.8 metres long.
