The family of a sailor who went missing on Gran Canaria, a Spanish island, has reported the discovery of significant items during the investigation. James ‘Jemsie’ Nunan, a resident of Colchester in Essex, disappeared in August while on a global voyage on his vessel. Following his disappearance, a search was launched, leading to the identification of Jemsie visiting a kebab shop in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, on August 19, with his Irish passport visibly worn. Subsequently, his boat was located 100 miles away from his last known position in Las Palmas, with CCTV footage capturing him at a police station on the same day reporting his lost passport.
Turning 35 on November 21, Jemsie’s family continues to seek answers after 14 weeks of searching. They express concerns over inconsistent statements from Essex Police and the Guardia Civil, highlighting an incomplete investigation of Jemsie’s vessel. Recent findings include the recovery of charred remnants of an iPad, phone, and a dismantled GPS aerial. However, the family notes the absence of a thorough forensic examination of the boat. Jemsie had intended to sail from Gran Canaria to Lanzarote before proceeding to Brazil.
Thumbelina, Jemsie’s dog who accompanied him on the voyage, was discovered unharmed on the boat on August 25, while Jemsie remains missing. The family revealed that a Pan Pan distress call, made on August 24, was initially confirmed by authorities but later disputed by the Guardia Civil, who claimed no call was made, and its origin remains unknown.
In a released statement, the family disputed the dismissal of CCTV footage from the kebab shop, asserting that Jemsie was targeted there, resulting in the theft of his backpack. Witnesses at the kebab shop support this claim, although the Guardia Civil allegedly did not engage with them.
Additionally, the family alleges being advised against involving the media and faced demands to pay taxes for the impounded boat. They also highlight discrepancies regarding Thumbelina’s presence on the boat and subsequent relocation to a shelter, where she was given a new Spanish microchip despite having a British one, causing delays in reuniting her with the family. Requests for comments have been made to Essex Police and the Guardia Civil.