In what started as a dream adventure, a British man chasing the open seas has gone missing during a solo round-the-world sailing trip, leaving authorities and family desperately searching for answers.
His miniature Jack Russell, Thumbelina, was found safe on the abandoned yacht drifting near the Canary Islands, adding both relief and mystery to the unfolding story.
James Nunan’s Ambitious Voyage
James Nunan, 34, from Reading, had spent over a year preparing for his global sailing journey.
In March, he set off aboard his boat, Kehaar, purchased in Slovenia, with Thumbelina by his side.
Nunan had already navigated parts of Europe, stopping in Gibraltar and Lanzarote, before making his way toward Gran Canaria.
His journey was more than a holiday—it was a carefully planned adventure he had dreamed about for years.
The Last Known Contact
The last confirmed communication with Nunan came on August 18, when he spoke to his mother, Maura Norton, 56, in Essex.
Later that evening, his bank card was used at a kebab shop in Las Palmas at 10:39 pm, marking the final trace of him.
By August 22, when his family hadn’t heard from him, he was officially reported missing.
Family Remembers a Free Spirit
Nunan’s half-sister, Nikita Goddard, 31, described him as a quintessential free spirit.
“Before he went sailing, he was living in a converted van, traveling around Scotland,” she told The Telegraph.
“That’s where he just got the idea to get a boat and sail around the world.
He waited until after my son was born so he could meet him and then went straight into his journey.”
She added that Nunan had been keeping in touch with their mother throughout his travels.
“He’s been all around Europe, and my mum was getting updates from him regularly.
But by Wednesday, when she didn’t hear anything, worry started to set in.”
The Yacht Found, the Man Missing
Authorities discovered Nunan’s yacht 50 miles off Gran Canaria, with no sign of him on board.
Documents confirmed the boat was his, but his passport and backpack had reportedly been stolen.
A “pan-pan” alert—a maritime signal indicating urgent but not life-threatening distress—was issued regarding the vessel.
Miraculously, Thumbelina was unharmed and has been taken in by a local dog shelter.
Her survival has offered a small measure of comfort to Nunan’s worried family.
Support and Search Efforts Underway
Nunan’s father has traveled to Gran Canaria to aid in the search, while Essex Police continue supporting his mother at home.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Essex Police added: “We are in touch with James’s family to provide support during this very difficult time.
We have submitted a number of queries through international liaison officers and Interpol to Spanish authorities and are awaiting responses.
We dearly hope James can be located safely as soon as possible.”
A Family Holds On to Hope
The disappearance of James Nunan has left loved ones anxious and authorities puzzled.
For now, the focus remains on locating the adventurer while ensuring the safety of his loyal companion, Thumbelina.
As search efforts continue, the story serves as a stark reminder of the risks and unpredictable nature of solo sea voyages.