Found in a shoe box: 1984 footage of a giant oil rig in Sunderland

On cine film: A giant of the seas in Sunderland in 1984
By Chris Cordner
Published 17th Jul 2023, 15:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It's been in hiding in Sunderland for 41 years.

But Echo readers can today take a look at some more of the cine footage which has just been discovered in a shoe box.

A sea giant in Sunderland

Callan Matthews shared the latest clip with us and it shows the Inter Ocean 2 oil rig which came to the River Wear for an overhaul in 1984.

The Inter Ocean on its way into Sunderland in 1984.The Inter Ocean on its way into Sunderland in 1984.
The Inter Ocean on its way into Sunderland in 1984.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The cine reel was taken by Reg Machin more than 40 years ago - and kept in a shoebox for safe keeping ever since.

A cine clip of the Interocean from Houston, Texas, berthed in Sunderland.A cine clip of the Interocean from Houston, Texas, berthed in Sunderland.
A cine clip of the Interocean from Houston, Texas, berthed in Sunderland.

Found in a shoebox

Reg's excellent work was found recently by his grandson Callan who us: "My grandad said he had something in a box and there were these cine reels.

Callan Matthews who has shared the cine footage with the Sunderland Echo.Callan Matthews who has shared the cine footage with the Sunderland Echo.
Callan Matthews who has shared the cine footage with the Sunderland Echo.

Callan, 23, said his grandad would be thrilled to see his 'amazing footage' viewed by Echo followers.

This is the second clip from Reg and the first has already attracted thousands of views within a day of being shared by the Sunderland Echo.

Callan as a young boy with his grandad.Callan as a young boy with his grandad.
Callan as a young boy with his grandad.

A time lapse drive through Wearside

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Watch as he takes us on a time lapse drive along Roker Baths Road, along Fulwell Road, then Dovedale Road and onto Sunderland Road. 

Do you have cine footage of Wearside you would love to share?

Email chris.cordner@nationalworld.com

Related topics:SunderlandRiver WearUSA

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.