A van which went over a cliff off Freshwater Bay was stolen, police believe.
Hampshire Constabulary says it does not think anyone was in the vehicle.
The incident prompted a large emergency service response to the area, off Military Road, this afternoon (Wednesday).
A van had gone over the cliff edge and came to rest in the water below.
Officers attended, supported by the RNLI and the Coastguard, and the vehicle was searched, as Isle of Wight Radio first reported.
Police say the vehicle – described as a black Renault Master panel van with a registration number ending ZFK – was unoccupied.
@Hantspolmarine @RNLI @YarmouthRNLI all working together today after a stolen vehicle pushed of cliff at Freshwater Isle of Wight. If anyone has any information about the vehicle please call 101 and quote ref 44210050437 #JESIP pic.twitter.com/5fBWAOB1Dx
— Hants Marine Unit (@HantspolMarine) February 10, 2021
A spokesperson for the force said:
"We can confirm that this van was reported stolen this morning, and is suspected to have been taken from Queens Road, Freshwater, some time between 9pm on 9 February and 8.15am this morning.
"We are appealing for anyone with information, Dash Cam footage or CCTV footage that could assist our enquiries into the theft of this vehicle to get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44210050437.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org