Historic Douglas RNLI photo brought to life for charity's 200th

Douglas was one of the earliest places in the British Isles to receive a lifeboat. On 10 September 1824 the Institution received a request from Sir William Hillary, the founder of the Institution, for a lifeboat for Douglas “…on account of the frequent gales and wrecks in Douglas Bay”.

Despite not being able to swim himself, Sir William contributed to saving more than 300 people from drowning during his time on Douglas lifeboat crew. During his lifetime he was awarded four gold medals, one for founding the RNLI and 3 others for gallantry.

The colourised image of one of Douglas’ early rowing lifeboats brings the 1890s crew into vivid colour as they pass the Tower of Refuge in the bay.

From community events to candid snapshots, the full collection of 11 black and white images have been painstakingly cleaned and colourised with folds, scratches and dust removed using digital technology to shine new light on 200 years of saving lives at sea.

The striking images from across the British Isles and Ireland include courageous lifeboat crews, early fundraising street collections, and iconic scenes of close-knit communities coming together to launch and recover lifeboats.

RNLI Heritage and Archive Research Manager Hayley Whiting said: ‘The carefully coloured images illustrate just a few highlights of the incredible history of lifesaving over the previous two centuries, where over 144,000 lives have been saved to date.

‘To see the vibrant blue sea off the Isle of Man, the crew of St Davids lifeboat walking up from the boathouse wearing their traditional red hats or the yellow sou’westers of the children fundraising, the reworked images really do bring a different perspective on some of our archived pictures.

‘Each image has been brought to life by our own in-house creative team with hours spent on attention to detail, along with research being undertaken to ensure each one gave a true, lifelike representation.’

For more information please visit: RNLI.org/200

Notes to editors

· Download all images here. Collection includes original black and white images.

· Video showing transition of images available for download here.

· Interview available with RNLI Heritage and Research Manager Hayley Whiting

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For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith Regional Communications Manager [email protected] or 07977728315. Alternatively please contact the RNLI Press Office [email protected] / 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.