The family of a sailor who went missing on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria has reported significant developments in the ongoing investigation. James ‘Jemsie’ Nunan, a resident of Colchester in Essex, disappeared in August during 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 100 miles away. Despite this, CCTV footage showed Jemsie at a police station on August 19 reporting his lost passport.
As Jemsie celebrated his 35th birthday this week, his family has reiterated their plea for information, expressing dissatisfaction with the information provided by Essex Police and the Guardia Civil. They disclosed the recovery of burnt electronic devices and an unscrewed GPS aerial from the boat but highlighted the absence of a thorough forensic examination. Jemsie had intended to sail to Lanzarote before continuing his journey to Brazil.
While Jemsie’s dog, Thumbelina, was found safe onboard the boat on August 25, Jemsie himself remained missing. The family revealed that a Pan Pan distress call was supposedly made on August 24, although conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the authenticity of this call. Additionally, the family disputed authorities’ dismissal of kebab shop CCTV footage, asserting that witnesses confirmed an incident at the shop involving Jemsie’s stolen backpack.
They further claimed that they were discouraged from engaging with the media and faced financial demands related to the impounded boat. Allegedly, conflicting information was provided regarding Thumbelina’s presence on the vessel, and uncertainties remain about the dog’s whereabouts before being handed over to a shelter. Notably, Thumbelina was implanted with a new Spanish microchip, delaying her reunion with Jemsie’s family due to identification issues. Requests for comments have been directed to Essex Police and the Guardia Civil.
