A sixteen-year-old boy calls his girlfriend to say he misses her, kisses his mother goodnight, and walks into a rainy November evening. He is never seen again. Nearly three decades later, the Isle of Wight still holds its darkest secret.

On November 2, 1996, Damien Nettles left his home in Cowes after negotiating a midnight curfew with his mother Valerie [citation:6]. The six-foot-four teenager with a gentle heart and a love for music met his friend Chris Boon, and together they attended a house party before catching a ferry to West Cowes [citation:7]. After being refused entry to several pubs, the boys parted ways around 10:30 PM. Chris went home. Damien turned back toward the High Street [citation:6].

CCTV captured Damien in a chip shop, appearing disoriented and spaced out. Witnesses described him as looking drugged [citation:5]. At 11:59 PM, a foster carer heard him say: They are watching us [citation:6]. Minutes later, street cameras recorded him for the last time. Then nothing. His bed was found unslept in. His camera was never recovered. His body has never been found.

Eight people were arrested in 2011 but released without charge [citation:2]. A key suspect died of an overdose. Police lost crucial footage. The case remains open. Damien's mother Valerie has never stopped searching. Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and press play because the sea gives back what it takes away. But the Isle of Wight has given back nothing.

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