Ferry passengers on board the Interislander Kaiarahi helped in the search for a boat reported to be in trouble off the coast of Wellington.
A call for help was made about 10pm on Monday reporting a small boat was taking on water about 3 nautical miles from Karori Rock.
Several people were reported to be on board.
Police paused search efforts on Tuesday morning to investigate "the nature" of the mayday report before continuing efforts.
Kaiarahi passenger Tupoki Wairau-Hunter said they were told the sailing would slow down to search as it approached Wellington just after 11pm on Monday.
People went on deck and were encouraged to let the crew know if they spotted anything.
Wairau-Hunter said conditions were mild with a "bit of a swell" and lights from up to seven other ships involved in the search could be seen from the ferry.
The sailing was delayed by a couple of hours but Wairau-Hunter said people were happy to help and concerned about the fate of the boat's crew.
Videos on social media showed search lights being used as the Interislander combed the area in the dark.
"Boats from Police, Coastguard Wellington, CentrePort, Wellington Airport Fire and Rescue, and the Interislander searched the area until 2.30am, but no debris was found," police said on Tuesday.
"A Search and Rescue team and Police also checked along the shoreline and boat ramps, but nothing of note was located."
Search and rescue also canvassed the shoreline.
A spokesperson from Seaworks Ltd said its their cable zone patrol ship Sea Patroller was also called in to assist - shortly after the mayday was reported - but was stood down after a little over four hours.
Bluebridge Cook Strait said Strait Ferronia crew saw something in the water but the object was not a boat.
