The white sloop Mystery was abandoned in November and has been floating unmanned since.

It was spotted by the charter fishing boat Sea Wolf yesterday morning three miles west of the Island.

The captain reported the sighting to Harbour Radio, and Marine and Ports moorings officer Mr. Ronnie Boys and marine painter Mr. Stephen Card went out to tow it ashore. Now both men are waiting to see if the insurance company or the owner, Mr. Norman Bailey of Stonington, Connecticut, are going to claim it.

Mr. Bailey was rescued from the yacht in November, after injuring his back in an accident.

It is believed that the insurance company have already paid out the money for the yacht.

Mystery is now in the hands of the the Receiver of Wreck, who deals with vessels brought into Bermuda.

Mr. Card said: "It is a very nice boat. It has lost a mast and a rudder but otherwise it is in good condition.

"There is a question over whether it belongs to the insurers or whether Ronnie is going to take it.'' MYSTERY YACHT -- Mr. Ron Boys and Mr. Stephen Card examine the abandoned yacht Mystery after towing it ashore yesterday. (See story below).