Colchester Man Disappears in Spain While Sailing the Globe with His Dog

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Solo Sailor James Nunan Missing After Disappearance in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – A search is underway for James “Jemsie” Nunan, a 34-year-old British national, who vanished after arriving on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria during a solo sailing trip around the world. Nunan was last seen on August 18th, and his disappearance has prompted a multi-agency investigation.

Timeline of Events

The circumstances surrounding NunanS disappearance began to raise concerns when he failed to contact his mother on August 19th,a routine he consistently maintained. According to reports, Nunan had informed an acquaintance on the night of August 18th that he intended to travel to Lanzarote. His last confirmed sighting was at approximately 10:39 PM, when he purchased food from a kebab shop in Las Palmas, with his passport visibly worn around his neck.

Prior to the purchase, Nunan had been observed at Paddy’s Anchor bar and was documented in a Facebook Live video walking amongst a group of individuals believed to be migrants at Playa del Confital beach earlier that evening. His backpack was reportedly stolen outside the kebab shop.

Finding of the Vessel and Rescue of Companion

On August 25th, authorities located Nunan’s sailing vessel approximately 100 miles from Las Palmas, off the south coast of Gran Canaria. A “pan-pan” call, indicating a non-life-threatening situation, had been issued between August 24th and 25th regarding the boat’s location. Remarkably, Nunan’s canine companion, Thumbelina, was found safe and well aboard the vessel and later transported to a local animal rescue shelter.

Key Facts

Date	Event
August 18th	James Nunan last seen in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
August 19th	Nunan fails to contact his mother, raising initial concerns.
August 25th	Nunan’s boat discovered 100 miles offshore; dog found safe onboard.
August 27th	Confirmation that Thumbelina is safe and has been taken to a rescue shelter.

Investigation and Family Appeal

The Essex Police, in collaboration with Interpol and Spanish authorities, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Nunan’s disappearance.His half-sister, Nikita Goddard, has expressed deep concern and described her brother as “a very happy person” who consistently maintained contact with family. The family was initially informed that the dog was not aboard the vessel,but received later confirmation of Thumbelina’s safe recovery.

Authorities have also confirmed that Nunan’s passport was reported “lost or stolen” to an Irish consulate in Gran Canaria on August 19th. three life jackets were also discovered missing from the boat.

Did You Know? Approximately 300 people go missing at sea in the Canary Islands each year, primarily migrants attempting to reach Europe, according to data from the Spanish Coast Guard.

The rising Trend of Solo Sailing and Maritime Safety

Solo sailing has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, fuelled by a desire for adventure and self-reliance. However, undertaking such journeys carries inherent risks, including adverse weather conditions, equipment failure, and the potential for medical emergencies. According to data from the Cruising Club of America, approximately one in ten solo sailors experiences a critically important incident requiring assistance during long-distance voyages.

Pro Tip: Sailors preparing for solo voyages should invest in robust safety equipment, including a satellite interaction device, an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), and a comprehensive first-aid kit. Regularly updating voyage plans with shore-based contacts is also crucial for ensuring a swift response in case of an emergency.

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