Spanish police have expanded the search for James Nunan, a 34-year-old British sailor from Reading, who disappeared off the coast of Gran Canaria during a solo round-the-world sailing trip.
Nunan, affectionately known to his family as “Jemsie,” set sail in March aboard his boat, Kehaar, with his 18-month-old miniature Jack Russell, Thumbelina. His boat was later discovered drifting 50 miles off Gran Canaria, containing documents confirming his ownership. Thumbelina was rescued alive and is now being cared for at a local dog shelter.
Last Known Movements
The builder from Reading last contacted his mother, Maura Norton, 56, from Essex, and his family on 18 August. That evening, his bank card was used at Rico Doner Kebab in Las Palmas at 10:39 pm. The following day, his passport was reported “lost or stolen” to the Irish consulate in Gran Canaria.
He was reported missing on 22 August after relatives grew concerned about his lack of communication. His boat was discovered three days later.
Witness Account: “He Was Very Drunk”
An employee at Rico Doner Kebab, where Nunan was last seen, told The Times:
“I remember this man. He was very drunk and struggling to stand. When he asked for food, I told him to stay outside while I prepared his kebab. He later came inside asking for extra sauce, and I believe a passing thief must have taken his rucksack. He said it was missing, but we did not see anything and nothing showed up on our cameras. I do not know where he went after that and I never saw him again.”
Police Investigation Expands
Spanish authorities have widened their search efforts and obtained permission to track Nunan’s phone and other electronic devices. A spokesperson for the Civil Guard confirmed that “several lines of investigation are being pursued.”
Nunan’s half-sister, Nikita Goddard, appealed to locals for information and urged anyone with knowledge of a possible “pan pan” alert — a maritime distress signal indicating an urgent but non-life-threatening situation — to come forward.
A Free Spirit on a Solo Voyage
Nunan was five and a half months into his solo sailing adventure and had planned to travel next to Brazil. According to his family, he had moored his yacht in La Isleta, a neighbourhood in Las Palmas.
Hours before his disappearance, Nunan was seen at Paddy’s Anchor, a local pub, and later filmed himself in a Facebook Live broadcast as he walked among crowds at a beach northwest of Las Palmas city centre.
Family Appeal for Support
Nunan’s father has travelled to Gran Canaria to assist in the search, while Essex Police are supporting his mother. The UK Foreign Office said in a statement:
“We are supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”
