Family of missing Brit arrive in Gran Canaria to continue desperate search
The family of British man James Nunan, who has been missing in Gran Canaria for a month, have travelled to the island in a desperate search for answers. The 34-year-old, nicknamed “Jemsie,” set out to sail the world in his yacht Kehaar, but vanished after a night out in Las Palmas on 18th August.
James was last seen using his bank card around 10.40 pm at an Irish pub, Paddy’s Anchor, and later at a nearby kebab restaurant in La Puntilla, close to Las Canteras beach.
He left his dog, Thumbelina, and a backpack containing belongings, including the inflatable dinghy he used to reach his yacht, which was anchored off El Confital, outside the restaurant. The backpack was stolen, leaving relatives questioning how he could have returned to his boat.
His family says he also carried a small bag around his neck with his passport, which has not been recovered. They believe he may have gone to the police station in the Port area early on August 19th to report the loss of his documents, as a copy of a complaint was later found on board the yacht. But they are now urging investigators to review CCTV to confirm it was really James who made the report.
Four days later, when they still had no contact, relatives reported him missing in the UK. On 25th August, Maritime Rescue located his yacht drifting 50 miles south of Gran Canaria, with Thumbelina alive but alone onboard. His mobile phone and iPad were found broken inside, the fridge was missing, and the engine was off.
The family, including his father James, mother Maura, aunt Joan, and sister Nikita Goddard, are now appealing directly to the public for help. “We have no clues. We’ve heard nothing for four weeks. We stay positive, but every day it gets harder,” Nikita told local media. “If anyone saw James after 18th August, if anyone was around Paddy’s Anchor pub that night and has videos, please share them. Any detail, no matter how small, could help.”
The Guardia Civil confirmed that the case remains open, with all scenarios under investigation, from an accidental fall to a deliberate act. They also confirmed the yacht’s GPS registered signals on 20th August, suggesting it was still moving two days after James was last seen on land.
The dog’s condition has also raised questions. She was found in good health on 25th August, without signs of hunger or neglect, leaving the family to wonder if James had been with her until very recently, or if someone else had been aboard.
James began his voyage from Slovenia in March with the aim of crossing the Atlantic, hoping to reach Brazil as his first major milestone. He had been in daily contact with his mother during the trip and even broadcast a live video from El Confital on the afternoon of 18th August, just hours before he disappeared.
His yacht remains moored in Arguineguín, and while the family must soon return to the UK, they are already planning to come back to Gran Canaria to continue the search.
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