The family of James 'Jemsie' Nunan, a British sailor who vanished on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria in August, have revealed that key items including the burnt remains of an iPad and a phone have been discovered. The 35-year-old from Colchester, Essex, disappeared while on an around-the-world sailing trip.
Jemsie was last seen on August 19 at a kebab shop in Las Palmas, the island's capital, with his Irish passport around his neck. CCTV footage also captured him at a police station later that day reporting his passport lost. His boat was found 100 miles (160km) from his last known location, and his dog Thumbelina was discovered alive on board on August 25, but there was no sign of Jemsie.
The family claim they have received contradictory statements from Essex Police and the Guardia Civil, including an incomplete investigation of the vessel. They say no full forensic examination of the boat has been carried out, despite the recovery of a burnt iPad, phone, and an unscrewed GPS aerial. They also allege that a Pan Pan distress call made on August 24 was initially confirmed by authorities but later denied by the Guardia Civil, who said no call was ever made.
Witnesses at the kebab shop reportedly confirmed that Jemsie was targeted and his backpack stolen, but the family say the Guardia Civil refused to speak to these witnesses. The family also claim they were advised not to contact the media and have been asked to pay taxes for the boat held at a maritime police compound. Additionally, they say there is no confirmed account of the dog's whereabouts between the boat being towed and her arrival at a shelter, and she was given a new Spanish microchip despite having a British one, delaying her return.
Jemsie turned 35 on November 21, and his family have renewed their appeal for answers 14 weeks into the search. Essex Police and the Guardia Civil have been contacted for comment.
