At about 1500 on Saturday February 24, the 37ft Oakley lifeboat The Will and Fanny Kirby launched down the slip for the last time, circled the harbour and headed out to sea escorted by Sunderland and Hartlepool lifeboats and with the added tribute of a flyover by an air sea rescue helicopter.

On the first bright, dry day of the year, about 300 people met to join in a service of thanksgiving conducted by the Vicar of Seaham; music was played by Peterlee Band. Among those present with lifeboat people to say farewell to Seaham lifeboat as the station closed after more than 100 years service were Mr and Mrs Kirby Welch, representatives of Easington Council, the Police, Coastguard and Clergy..