[1][2] After 100 years service, Whitburn lifeboat station was closed at the end of April, 1918.

[1] Inspired by the rescue efforts made to the vessel Ajax, wrecked on her maiden voyage just north of Sunderland harbour, Lord Dundas set about raising funds for a lifeboat.

The 27-foot 6in boat had been built in 1800 by William Wake of Sunderland, influenced by the design of Henry Greathead.

The boat was named Thomas Wilson after the former chairman of the RNIPLS, a native of the area.

[5] A replacement 32-foot lifeboat, provided again from RNLI funds, and again named Thomas Wilson, arrived on station in September 1865.

In November 1866, the boat launched to the barque Margaret and Jane, aground on the rocks at Whitburn, and rescued 8.