Submerged car checked and no-one found inside

A submerged car salvaged from the Otago Harbour yesterday may have been stolen.

Emergency services were called to the Vauxhall Yacht Club about 11am after reports a car was nearly underwater off the boat ramp.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Stuart Slade said St Kilda and Lookout Point crews were called to the scene.

Police and ambulance were already there when they arrived.

A police officer ventured into the water to check the vehicle but no-one was inside.

The Honda HRV was pulled by another vehicle to the water's edge before being removed by a tow truck.

A police spokeswoman said officers spoke via phone to the registered owner who was on holiday.

"It may have been stolen in this time and hence not reported as the owner was not there to notice."

The car was meant to be parked in St Kilda, she said.