PICTURED: Breathtaking images offer rare insight into life in Royal Navy

THESE incredible images capture a rare insight into the lives of marines and sailors in the Royal Navy.

From a rescue mission to save migrants fleeing Africa, to an ecstatic young girl’s touching embrace with her sailor father, these amazing photos unmask the highs and lows of working on the front line.

The extraordinary photographs of Apocalypse Now-style beach assaults and training exercises were snapped by Lieutenant Jamie Wellar who won the Royal Navy Amateur Maritime Image Award at the Peregrine Trophy awards. 

While Will Haigh was recognised as the Royal Navy Photographer of the Year with a breathtaking portfolio of pictures including Marine Matthew Farran of 40 Commando Royal Marines composing himself before the final round of a boxing match.

And Simmo Simpson scooped the Best Maritime Image Aware for an image of the HMS Dauntless sailing through Gibraltar at sunset. 

A transcendental shot captures the Exercise Black Alligator, an annual exercise where the Royal Marines train alongside their American and Dutch counterparts. 

This caught the eye of the public and Joel Rouse was crowned with the People’s Choice Award. 

Glimpses into acts of humanity also captured the everyday lives on members of the Royal Navy. 

One stunning image captured the HMS Bulwark leading the Royal Navy’s contribution to the international commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign. 

In another, exhausted migrants aboard a crammed boat are led onshore by sailors, while a medical technician was pictured adjusting a drip in a Royal Navy recruiting camp at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. 

Band members looking relaxed and at ease as there drums, flutes, trombones and clarinets decorate an opulent drawing room also caught the eye in the RN Amateur Open Category Award.