At 2005 information was received that Scarborough lifeboat was launching to investigate red flares sighted by Flamborough Coastguard and at 2240 Filey lifeboat was requested by Tees Coastguard to launch to join Whitby and Scarborough lifeboats in a search north east of Scarborough; the search pattern was co-ordinated by Scarborough Coastguard. Filey lifeboat launched at 2250. It was a fine evening with good visibility and the wind had veered to west south west, moderating to force 3 to 4; the tide was low. After three hours the search was called off.

No boats had been reported missing and nothing could be found. As the tide was not suitable for rehousing Filey lifeboat, she was berthed temporarily in Scarborough. The crew arrived back in Filey at 0330 and mustered again at 0700 to bring their boat home. She was rehoused at 0840 on Sunday September 17..