Blood splatter has been discovered on the boat of a British sailor who went missing in Gran Canaria, according to reports. James Nunan, 35, who was on a round-the-world trip, was last seen at a kebab shop in Las Palmas in August. His dog, Thumbelina, was later found on his boat. Family members have raised concerns about the search conducted by Essex and Spanish authorities.
Authorities in Gran Canaria claim that James, from Colchester, Essex, became intoxicated and fell overboard after his last sighting. However, his family contends that a third party was involved. Allegedly, his boat had blood splatters on a toilet and control lever, and his electronic devices were damaged by fire. Additionally, there were cuts on the sail believed to be from a serrated knife. James’ half-sister, Nikita Goddard, expressed frustration over the lack of assistance in the investigation.
Nunan, who had connections to Reading, worked as a bricklayer to finance his once-in-a-lifetime journey, intending to visit countries like Brazil. The police found his boat on August 25, 100 miles away from his last known location in Las Palmas.
Nikita stated, “We believe, as a family, that there is sufficient evidence to suggest the involvement of a third party. We do not think he simply got drunk, fell into the water, and drowned.” While acknowledging that Nunan was intoxicated when last seen on August 19, she mentioned that his boat did not set sail until the following day.
Goddard accused the Gran Canaria police of neglecting credible leads and abruptly ending their investigation. She criticized the lack of interest shown by the Guardia Civil, suggesting it might be due to Nunan being a lone British sailor. She called for English authorities to take over the case. Gran Canaria police stated that they are pursuing a prosecution and cannot comment further at this time.
On the day he disappeared, Nunan had his backpack stolen outside a kebab shop but still had his passport around his neck. However, he later reported his passport missing at a police station, and a copy of the report was found on his boat. Thumbelina, his dog, was found safe on the boat and has been reunited with the family, who remain hopeful that James could still be alive.
