A bricklayer went on a round-the-world trip and disappeared (4 photos)

James Noonan was last seen on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on August 18. A week later, police found his yacht 100 miles offshore. On board, in the middle of the ocean, his small but loyal dog was barking.





The 43-year-old Briton was last seen leaving Paddy's Anchor bar at around 10pm on Gran Canaria. Four hours earlier, he had dined at Rico Doner Kebab. At the time, he was wearing his passport around his neck, but he did not have a backpack.

The missing man's half-sister, Nikita Goddard, was told by food service workers that her brother's backpack had been stolen.



She shared: "It's hard to cope with all of this. Honestly, the whole family is stressed out. We're trying to keep our emotions in check so we can focus on the search."

"We don't have time to be sad," she said. "If anyone has seen him or thinks they have, please let us know."





On August 18 at 18:16, James, who Nikita described as "happy and adventurous", posted a video on social media. In the recording, he is seen walking with migrants along the Playa del Confital beach in Gran Canaria.

He then headed to Paddy's Anchor bar, where he told one of the patrons that he was heading to Lanzarote.

Three days later, Noonan's mother reported him missing to Essex police. His yacht was found on August 25. Police found a pet on board - a small dog named Thumbelina. She was taken to a shelter.



James worked as a bricklayer and saved up for a five-month solo sailing trip. He dreamed of reaching Brazil.

Nikita thanked those who cared: “We were very helped by social media users - we collected a lot of useful information. It is encouraging to think that there is a chance that he did not fall overboard and drown.”

Essex Police are cooperating with Interpol and the Spanish authorities in the search for James.