Operation Seagull: The Stockton Bight Disaster

What really happened during the 1954 Stockton Bight Disaster? Operation Seagull: The Stockton Bight Disaster is a 42-minute documentary produced by Jacob Ure (Our Past) examining the events of 8 March 1954 off Stockton Bight, near Newcastle, NSW. Nominal roll and extra materials: https://www.ourpast.au/operation-seagull Through firsthand survivor interviews, the film reconstructs the training exercise that turned fatal, the rescue attempt in heavy seas, and the role Australia’s early National Service scheme (1951–1959) played in the lives of the young servicemen involved. This documentary focuses on: • The events of the night • The rescue operation • Survivor testimony • The National Service context • The lasting impact on families and the local community If you’re interested in Newcastle history, Australian military history, National Service, or untold local stories, this film documents one of the Hunter region’s most significant post-war incidents. Still imagery provided by: Lynn Farmer Moira McHattie John Morrow Kevin Newman The James Family The Moran Family Funding provided by: City of Newcastle 'Arts, Culture and History' grant. Subscribe to Our Past for more Australian history documentaries and local stories.