The family of a sailor who went missing on Gran Canaria, a Spanish island, has reported significant findings in the ongoing investigation. James ‘Jemsie’ Nunan, a resident of Colchester in Essex, disappeared in August while on a global voyage aboard his vessel. Following his last known sighting at a kebab shop in Las Palmas, where he was seen with his Irish passport, authorities located his boat approximately 100 miles away from Las Palmas. CCTV footage captured him at a police station on August 19, reporting his lost passport.
As Jemsie celebrated his 35th birthday this week, his family continues to seek answers after 14 weeks of searching. They have expressed concerns over the handling of the investigation by Essex Police and the Guardia Civil, highlighting discrepancies in the examination of Jemsie’s vessel.
Recent discoveries include the charred remains of an iPad, a phone, and a dismantled GPS aerial recovered from the boat. Despite these findings, a comprehensive forensic examination of the vessel is yet to be conducted. Jemsie had intentions of sailing from Gran Canaria to Lanzarote before embarking on a journey to Brazil.
While Jemsie’s dog, Thumbelina, was found safe aboard the boat on August 25, there was no trace of the sailor. The family revealed that a Pan Pan distress call was allegedly made on August 24, but conflicting reports have emerged regarding the authenticity of this call.
In a statement, the family disputed the dismissal of CCTV footage from the kebab shop, emphasizing that witnesses confirmed a theft incident involving Jemsie’s backpack. They also criticized the lack of communication with these witnesses by the Guardia Civil.
Moreover, the family expressed frustration over being advised against engaging with the media and facing demands to pay taxes for the impounded boat. Confusion arose when authorities initially claimed Thumbelina was not found on board, only to later confirm her presence. The family remains puzzled about the dog’s whereabouts between the boat’s retrieval and its transfer to a shelter.
Additionally, Thumbelina was implanted with a new Spanish microchip, causing delays in reuniting her with Jemsie’s family due to conflicting identification records. Both Essex Police and the Guardia Civil have been approached for their input on the matter.