MYSTERY surrounds the whereabouts of a skipper whose yacht was found empty with its engines running off the Isle of Wight.

Detectives are baffled by the disappearance of Hany Mustapha, of Kingston-upon- Thames, who had only bought his boat, Brigand, hours earlier.

The 46-year-old was seen at Poole Yacht Club wearing a white sailing jacket, sunglasses and a hat on Saturday at about 10.05am.

A massive air, land and sea search was carried out after his yacht was found beached near Brighstone the same day at 5.15pm. The engines were still running – but there was no sign of Mr Mustapha.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said last night it was ready to begin searching again if it received any new information.

Mr Mustapha is described as being around 6ft 3in, of mid- European appearance with a stocky build. He has short, dark, receding hair and a goatee beard.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Dorset Police on 101.