Police have provided an important update regarding a British sailor who went missing over a month ago. Investigators believe James Nunan, aged 34, likely had an accident off the coast of Gran Canaria, Spain, after departing for a nearby island following a night out. It is suspected that the experienced sailor fell from the mast of his yacht into the sea.
Initial reports indicate that James, from Colchester, was last seen at a kebab shop late on August 18 in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, after socializing at a nearby Irish pub. His family, who traveled to the island and met with Civil Guard investigators, were informed of a new sighting on August 19 when James reported his passport missing at a police station.
The yacht, which James planned to sail to Brazil during his solo voyage, was discovered approximately 50 miles off Gran Canaria, around 100 miles from where it was originally moored in mid-August. James’ 18-month-old dog, Thumbelina, was found alone on the vessel, which was towed back to Arguineguin in Gran Canaria. Police sources suggest that James may have had an accident at sea, potentially falling from the yacht’s mast.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities noting the absence of James’ life jacket and climbing equipment from the boat. While the focus remains on a potential maritime accident, all avenues are being explored, and the case remains open. Police have been granted permission to track James’ electronic devices, conduct hospital and bank checks, and continue the search efforts.
James moored his yacht in Las Isletas, Las Palmas, before being spotted at Paddy’s Anchor pub. He filmed himself on a Facebook Live video at a beach near Las Palmas city center. His rucksack was reportedly stolen outside a kebab shop, and his half-sister mentioned that he reported his passport as lost or stolen to the police.
He had plans to visit Lanzarote before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil. His family expressed the emotional toll of the search for James, known affectionately as Jemsie.