The disappearance of British sailor James Nunan, 34, has entered its third week with no confirmed sightings, after his yacht was discovered drifting south of Gran Canaria. Authorities and relatives are continuing efforts to establish what happened in the days following his last known movements in the island’s capital.

Last Known Movements in Las Palmas

Mr. Nunan, originally from Reading, England, was last confirmed in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Monday 18 August. According to family appeals and reports carried in the press, he was seen at El Confital beach earlier in the day and later at Paddy’s Anchor, a bar on the Las Canteras promenade. Friends and relatives have said he mentioned plans to sail to Lanzarote as part of a wider Atlantic crossing.

At around 10:30 p.m., staff at a kebab shop near the promenade said he came in to buy food. They told UK newspapers he appeared intoxicated and was asked to wait outside. During this time, his backpack and passport were reportedly stolen, with the loss later notified to a consular office. These details have been widely circulated in British and Spanish coverage but have not been confirmed by the Guardia Civil.

No verified sightings have been logged after that evening.

Yacht Discovered South of Gran Canaria

On 25 August, a week after Mr. Nunan was last seen, Spanish maritime rescue services (Salvamento Marítimo) located his yacht drifting about 94 kilometres south of Gran Canaria. A maritime surveillance aircraft first spotted the vessel and coordinated with a nearby merchant ship before the rescue boat Salvamar Macondo attended.

Rescuers confirmed the yacht, named the Kehaar, was unmanned. They towed it to Puerto de Arguineguín, in the municipality of Mogán, for inspection.

On board they found Mr. Nunan’s dog, Thumbelina, alive and in good condition.

Dog in Care

After veterinary checks confirmed she was healthy, Thumbelina was reportedly handed over to the Mogán municipal kennel, though local reports now state that she has since been placed in the care of a foster volunteer. Her survival is one of the few concrete details available in a case marked by uncertainty.

Family’s Presence on the Island

Relatives have flown to Gran Canaria to assist the search and liaise with local authorities. His sister, Nikita Goddard, has spoken to British media about the family’s concerns.

She told newspapers that she does not believe her brother simply fell overboard, saying there were “too many unexplained details” about his disappearance. The family remains in regular contact with Spanish investigators and has encouraged the public to come forward with any possible information.

Civil Guard Investigation

The Guardia Civil has confirmed it is handling the case. Officers have declined to share operational details, stating that enquiries remain active.

The official timeline runs from Mr. Nunan’s last known appearances in Las Palmas on 18 August to the discovery of his drifting yacht on 25 August. Some have questioned how the vessel came to be found so far to the south of the island, particularly given that no confirmed sightings place him outside the capital on the day he vanished.  However the east side of Gran Canaria is known for its Wind Acceleration Zone to the south of Las Palmas port and marinas, with strong southerly currents frequent all down the east coast of the island.  Somehow Jame’s boat left its moorings in the capital and then drifted with the Canary Current out towards open ocean to the south.

As of 7 September 2025, no findings have been released to the public.

A Personal Voyage

Family and friends say Mr. Nunan had embarked earlier this year on an ambitious sailing project. A bricklayer by trade, he had worked long hours in the UK to save money for the trip and left in March 2025.

Although relatively inexperienced at sea, he had spent considerable time preparing the Kehaar and was committed to the idea of sailing long distances. He had spoken of crossing the Atlantic and continuing further afield.

The story has drawn attention across Spain and the UK. Spanish outlets including EFE, RTVC, Canarias7, and elDiario.es Canarias have reported the discovery of the yacht and the ongoing investigation, while British papers have carried detailed accounts of his last known movements and interviews with family members.

In Gran Canaria, the case has been followed closely by the expatriate community and local residents. Many have expressed relief that Thumbelina was found safe and is now with a trusted foster carer, even as concern deepens about the lack of news regarding her owner.

Current Situation

At present, the facts confirmed by Spanish authorities are limited:

• Last seen: 18 August in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

• Reported theft: Backpack and passport said to have been stolen that night (press reports).

• Boat found: 25 August, drifting 94 km south of Gran Canaria; towed to Arguineguín.

• Dog: Thumbelina recovered alive; now fostered locally.

• Family: Relatives present on the island assisting the search.

• Investigation: Guardia Civil leading; no conclusions made public.

Unanswered Questions

The central mystery remains how the Kehaar came to be adrift so far from where Mr. Nunan was last seen, and what happened to him in the intervening days.

No evidence has yet been released of his movements between the night of 18 August and the discovery of the yacht on 25 August. Reports of a radio distress signal and other details carried in international press remain unconfirmed by Spanish authorities.

Outlook

For now, the Civil Guard continues its inquiry with “all lines open.” The family remains on Gran Canaria, supported by messages of solidarity from the local community.

As the days pass without further news, concern grows for the missing sailor. The unusual circumstances of his disappearance, and the discovery of his boat drifting far from where he was last seen, ensure that the search for answers will remain active in the weeks ahead.