Ned Smart, Stockton, Newcastle

Ned Smart is no stranger to sharky waters. His local, Stockton beach is home to the Sygna, a 53,000 tonne Norwegian bulk carrier now shipwrecked since 1974. The story goes that on that fateful day Newcastle was experiencing reported swell of over 17m (56 ft) at the entrance of the port and ordered all vessels to move out to see. Seven of ten ships followed orders, the Sygna was not one of them. It’s a known fact that this stretch of beach is home to great whites. Whether it is a result of the shipwreck one can only speculate. It doesn’t seem to bother 18-year old Ned Smart however taking in the view right on dusk. Photo: Bosko