A member of the public reporting what they thought was the discovery of a body led to a police response to East Cowes earlier.
Nothing was found by police who deemed the incident a false alarm with good intentions.
A call was received at around 3.50pm.
Officers were alerted to an area at the back of Norris Castle.
Isle of Wight Police said:
"At 1550 hours officers have been in attendance in East Cowes at the back of Norris Castle. A concern for welfare was reported as a member of the public believed they located a deceased male.
"Thankfully, after a bit of a walk and getting to the location, this was a call made with good intent and no one was located."
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said:
"We were called 3.30pm to a report that a body had been seen off East Cowes Esplanade. When officers attended, no body was located following a search of the area."