Lifeboat crews were scrambled to the River Mersey in the early hours of Saturday after reports of a car being driven into the water.
The RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station were called out to the river at Egremont Ferry , after an alter from UK Coastguard saying a car was in the water.
No one was found inside the vehicle, but crews searched the water for hours - finally being stood down at 5.02am.
A huge emergency services response was called to the scene, with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and Wirral Coast Guard Rescue Team also scrambled.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter was also tasked with searching the area.
One resident living close to Egremont Ferry described seeing police, fire engines and other emergency services staff using "high powered torches" on the beach as part of the search.
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The ECHO understands the car was stolen from a property in Wirral and that the owners were informed by police that their car had been dumped in the river.
Emergency services initially feared someone may have driven the car into to Mersey as part of a serious concern for safety.
Residents thanked the lifeboat crew for their hard work in difficult conditions, sharing their relief that no one was injured in the incident.
