New London — Coast Guard Station New London searched the water after a small recreational boat was found about two nautical miles northwest of Plum Island on Tuesday afternoon.

Andrew Dennis, the Coast Guard officer on duty, said the dinghy was beat up, had stickers peeling off and was semi flooded. It was reported by a good Samaritan, he said.

Based on the condition of the vessel, the Coast Guard did not believe anyone was in it, but conducted the search as a precaution, he said. The search boat returned at 9 p.m.