Lifeboat station awarded Freedom of the City

The ceremony took place at the City Hall in Douglas on Thursday

Awarding the Freedom of the City to the Douglas RNLI station acknowledged "200 years of courage and commitment" by crews past and present, the mayor has said.

Douglas Council conferred the accolade on the branch at a ceremony at City Hall recognising the lifeboat volunteers' dedication to the lifesaving service.

Natalie Byron-Teare said the honour paid tribute to an "unwavering dedication" to the community and reflected the appreciation felt for the "first class contribution" made.

Founded by Sir William Hillary after he witnessed several shipwrecks off the Manx coast while living in Douglas, the organisation celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024.

Volunteers from the local branch of the RNLI attended the ceremony

The award is given to those considered to have made an outstanding contribution or service to the City of Douglas and the Isle of Man.

Previous recipients include UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, comedian Sir Norman Wisdom, pop group the Bee Gees, and cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish.

The RNLI was founded by Sir William Hillary in 1824

Byron-Teare said the efforts of the crews illustrated "the power of volunteering, which in this case quite literally saves lives".

During the proceedings, she acknowledged all volunteers from rescuers "who brave all conditions" to those who sell merchandise and shake buckets.

"You carry out this work not for personal gain, but for the benefit and protection of others", which meant the honour was "richly deserved", the Mayor said.

"We salute all past and present RNLI volunteers for their efforts."

The branch's lifeboat is one of two remaining Mersey class vessels in the RNLI's fleet

Speaking after the service, RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes said the station's efforts over the centuries had been "deservedly recognised".

He said the distinction acknowledged the "selflessness and kindness of crews going out to rescue people they have never met, responding to Sir William Hillary's plea of 200 years ago".

Lifeboat operations manager for the Douglas station Peter Washington said when things got "tough" the volunteers would be able look at the certificate and be reminded of the "respect shown to the branch by the city".

It was an "massive thank you" that mean "so much to the crew", he added.

Since the RNLI was founded, its crews across the British Isles have saved the lives of over 146,000 people.