When Newcastle was hit by a massive storm in June 2007, the huge Japanese coal carrier Pasha Bulker famously ran aground on Nobbys Beach. Newcastle photographer Murray McKean was there to capture the moment. But why has the image since gone viral around the world? John Thomas talks to Murray McKean to find out more.

Producer and narrator: John Thomas

Interviewee: Murray McKean

Original music composed by Matthew Zhang

Sound FX:

CalmWaves SandBeach 03 EQ 130430_03.wav by klankbeeld --https://freesound.org/s/191296/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Reverse Cymbal: Reverb + long delay by mycoolclue -- https://freesound.org/s/130387/ --License: Creative Commons 0

Tropical Thunderstorm by Calcuttan -- https://freesound.org/s/180618/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

240420_2736_FR_Church-bells_ringing_in_town_at_midday by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/737045/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ship horn.wav by monotraum -- https://freesound.org/s/208714/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

medium crowd by nooly -- https://freesound.org/s/172941/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

camera_shutter_release_dslr.wav by magedu -- https://freesound.org/s/261098/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

City ambiance recorded in Dekalb Illinois by felix.blume --https://freesound.org/s/667217/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729