The family of a sailor who went missing on Gran Canaria, a Spanish island, has reported significant findings in the ongoing investigation. James ‘Jemsie’ Nunan, a resident of Colchester, Essex, disappeared in August while sailing around the world. Following his last known visit to a kebab shop in Las Palmas, where he had his Irish passport with him, authorities located his boat 100 miles away. CCTV footage captured Jemsie at a police station on August 19, reporting his lost passport.

Celebrating his 35th birthday on November 21, Jemsie’s family has appealed for information after 14 weeks of searching. They expressed concerns over the handling of the investigation by Essex Police and the Guardia Civil, citing discrepancies in statements received. Recent discoveries include the charred remains of an iPad, a phone, and a dismantled GPS aerial recovered from the boat, yet a comprehensive forensic examination of the vessel is pending. Jemsie had planned to sail from Gran Canaria to Lanzarote and then proceed to Brazil.

While Jemsie’s dog, Thumbelina, was found unharmed on the boat on August 25, the sailor remains missing. The family mentioned a Pan Pan distress call made on August 24, initially acknowledged by authorities but later refuted by the Guardia Civil, with no verification of its origin. Moreover, they questioned the dismissal of crucial CCTV footage from the kebab shop, where Jemsie’s backpack was allegedly stolen, and witnesses’ accounts were disregarded.

Allegations from the family include being discouraged from involving the media, facing unexpected taxes for the impounded boat, and inconsistencies in Thumbelina’s discovery on board. Uncertainties persist regarding the dog’s movements after the boat’s retrieval until its placement in a shelter. Thumbelina was even implanted with a new Spanish microchip despite having a British one, leading to delays in reuniting her with Jemsie’s family. Requests for comments have been made to Essex Police and the Guardia Civil.