Blood Evidence Emerges in Case of Missing British Sailor in Gran Canaria
The family of a British sailor who disappeared during a solo around-the-world voyage have revealed disturbing new details, including the discovery of blood splatter on his boat, directly contradicting official explanations for his vanishing.
Disappearance During Global Adventure
James "Jemsie" Nunan, a 35-year-old bricklayer from Colchester, Essex, vanished in August while undertaking his dream journey across the oceans. The adventurous sailor, who had previously lived in Reading, was last confirmed to be seen at a kebab shop in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, on August 19th. Remarkably, he was wearing his Irish passport around his neck at the time, though he later reported it missing at a local police station.
Disturbing Discoveries on the Vessel
Six days after his disappearance, Spanish authorities located Nunan's boat approximately 100 miles (160km) from his last known position in Las Palmas. While the Guardia Civil suggested the sailor had likely become intoxicated and fallen overboard, his family have uncovered evidence suggesting a more sinister scenario.
According to a BBC report cited by relatives, forensic examination revealed blood splatter in the boat's toilet and on a control lever. Additionally, electronic devices including an iPad and phone showed signs of fire damage, while the sail bore cuts that appeared to be made by a serrated knife.
Family Challenges Official Narrative
Nunan's half-sister, Nikita Goddard from Lincoln, has become the family's spokesperson in their quest for answers. She expressed profound frustration with the investigation's progress, stating: "I just feel like nobody is helping and it's extremely, extremely frustrating."
Goddard revealed she only learned about the blood evidence when she received a copy of the police report, claiming authorities had not adequately communicated these findings. She firmly rejects the intoxication theory, noting: "We don't believe he got drunk, fell in the water and drowned." While acknowledging Nunan was indeed intoxicated when last seen, she points out that his boat didn't depart until the following day.
Call for British Police Involvement
The family has identified what they describe as significant discrepancies between the Essex police investigation and that conducted by Spanish authorities. Goddard has accused Gran Canaria police of failing to pursue credible lines of inquiry and has formally requested that English police assume control of the case.
"The Guardia Civil just don't seem to have any interest," Goddard asserted, "and I think that's partly because he's a lone British sailor. Perhaps they thought it would've been easier to hope nobody cared."
Silver Lining Amid Tragedy
One positive development emerged from the grim discovery: Nunan's dog, Thumbelina, was found alive aboard the vessel and has since been reunited with the family. This reunion provides some comfort as they continue their search for answers.
Spanish authorities have indicated to the BBC that they are pursuing a prosecution in the case and therefore cannot comment while proceedings are ongoing. Meanwhile, the family maintains hope against diminishing odds. "We just don't want to give up hope in case he is alive somewhere," Goddard stated, reflecting the emotional turmoil of their prolonged uncertainty.
The case continues to raise questions about international cooperation in missing persons investigations and the challenges faced by families seeking answers across jurisdictional boundaries.
