Aerial photography of a renowned British coastal landmark has earned top honors in a recent maritime-themed competition. Jimmy Colley secured first place in the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society’s annual Ultimate Sea View contest with a striking drone image of The Needles lighthouse, situated among the iconic chalk stacks off the Isle of Wight.

Colley’s photograph outpaced over 600 entries submitted by both amateur and professional photographers. His award includes a £1,000 voucher redeemable for photography equipment. The competition aims to celebrate the United Kingdom’s coastal scenery and maritime heritage.

Captain Justin Osmond, associated with the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, highlighted the event’s ongoing role in promoting appreciation for the nation’s seafaring history. Beyond the winning shot, the contest featured a variety of images showcasing maritime themes. Notably, a lifeboat braving towering waves captured by Danny Spring was named runner-up in the Maritime Safety category. Other entries included depictions of yachts, moored vessels, a Scottish shipwreck, and an American warship.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society operates as a charitable organization supporting fishermen, merchant mariners, and their families experiencing financial hardship due to accidents, illness, unemployment, or retirement. In the previous year, the society granted £1.4 million in assistance across approximately 1,700 cases.

This year’s competition entries and further information about the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society can be accessed through the organization’s official website.