CITY BLASTED: SAFETY CHECK BEHIND IRRITATING SHIP HORN

Ship’s horns are part of the soundtrack to the world’s busiest coal port – but this one was something else.

This vessel’s horn went off every 30 seconds in Newcastle today, with the city blasted for half an hour.

Thousands were left scratching their heads, as the noise echoed across the suburbs.

Apparently a malfunction wasn’t to blame, but a maritime safety test.