Concern that a yacht could be in trouble led to Cowes RNLI lifeboat carrying out a painstaking search of Newtown Creek late last (Tuesday) night.
The emergency was sparked by a report of what appeared to be a light from a vessel in the creek which suddenly went out.
The lifeboat launched at 11.15 pm and after battling through rough seas in the Western Solent went on to carry out a thorough search of the creek; but nothing of concern was found.
The lifeboat returned to station at 1.15am this morning.