Indonesian rescue Spanish soccer coach and 3 children after tour boat sinks

Tragic Accident Near Padar Island

The global soccer community is holding its breath as a search mission continues in the heart of Indonesia. On Friday night, December 26, 2025, a tourist boat carrying a Spanish family sank in the rough waters of Komodo National Park. Among those missing is Fernando Martín Carreras, a 44-year-old coach for the Valencia CF women’s reserve team. Indonesian

He was traveling with his wife and four children when their vessel encountered extreme weather conditions. While some members of the family were rescued, the father and three of his young children remain missing. This tragic event has sent shockwaves from the shores of Labuan Bajo all the way to Spain.

The Sinking of the KM Putri Sakinah

The vessel involved in the accident was a traditional wooden tour boat named the KM Putri Sakinah. It departed from Komodo Island around 8:00 p.m. local time, heading toward the iconic Padar Island. However, just thirty minutes into the journey, the boat suffered a sudden and total engine failure.

Without power, the vessel was at the mercy of the sea. Massive waves, reported to be up to three meters high, battered the ship in the Padar Island Strait. Consequently, the boat capsized and sank rapidly in the dark, leaving the eleven people on board struggling for their lives in the water.

A Split-Second Survival Story

In the chaos of the sinking, the family was split apart. The survivors include Fernando’s wife, Andrea Ortuño, and their seven-year-old daughter, Mar. Reports suggest that they were on a higher deck of the boat when it began to tilt. Because of their position, they were thrown into the sea and managed to stay afloat until help arrived.

A passing vessel and a search team eventually picked them up. Along with the mother and daughter, four crew members and a local tour guide were also saved. Sadly, the rest of the family—Fernando and three children aged 9, 10, and 12—were likely trapped inside the hull as it went down.

Rescuers Battle Extreme Weather

Indonesian search and rescue teams (BASARNAS) have been working tirelessly since the first distress call. The operation is being led by Fathur Rahman, the head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office. However, the mission has been incredibly difficult due to the local weather. Teams are facing strong currents, torrential rain, and low visibility.

Furthermore, the waves in the strait remain very high, making it dangerous for small rescue boats to operate. On Saturday evening, the search had to be suspended as the sun set and the conditions worsened. Despite these hurdles, officials say they are “determined” to find the victims.

Tributes Pour in from Spain

The news of the accident has deeply saddened the world of Spanish football. Valencia CF released a heartfelt statement on social media confirming that Fernando Martín was among the victims. They described him as a beloved coach and a dedicated member of their women’s football program.

Real Madrid CF also issued a statement of condolence, expressing their “deepest affection” for the surviving family members. In Spain, many clubs are planning moments of silence during their upcoming matches. The tragedy has brought the sports community together in a shared moment of grief and support for the Martín family.

Finding Debris in the Search Zone

As the search resumed on Sunday morning, rescuers began finding signs of the missing vessel. Teams discovered parts of the wooden hull and a gas cylinder floating about five nautical miles from where the boat sank. They also found sections of the captain’s cabin drifting in the northern waters of Padar Island.

While these finds help pinpoint the location of the wreckage, they also remind everyone of the boat’s violent end. Rescuers are using diving teams and specialized sonar equipment to scan the seabed. They hope to locate the main body of the ship to see if the missing family members are still inside.

The Dangers of Maritime Travel in Indonesia

This accident has once again brought attention to maritime safety in Indonesia. The country is a massive archipelago with over 17,000 islands, making boats a primary way to travel. However, accidents are frequent due to aging ships and lax safety rules. Many tourist boats in popular spots like Komodo National Park are older wooden vessels.

When these boats encounter the “extreme weather” common during the monsoon season, they are easily overwhelmed. Furthermore, engine failures are a common problem that can turn a simple tour into a disaster. This tragedy highlights the need for stricter inspections and better safety gear on all tourist vessels.

A Family Vacation Turned Nightmare

The Martín family had traveled to Indonesia for a dream holiday. Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its pink beaches and giant dragons. It has become a very popular spot for European tourists in recent years. The family was reportedly enjoying their sightseeing trip before the engine malfunctioned.

Fernando’s father-in-law, Enrique Ortuño, told reporters in Spain that the family was very excited about the trip. Now, a time of joy has turned into a time of unimaginable pain. The grandfather acknowledged that the chances of finding his son-in-law and grandsons alive are now very slim.

International Cooperation in the Mission

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with the Indonesian government on this case. Spanish diplomats are currently in Labuan Bajo to support the survivors and coordinate with the search teams. They are also keeping the relatives back in Valencia updated on every new development.

The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency is leading the physical search, but they are receiving data and support from various agencies. This international teamwork is vital for managing such a high-profile and sensitive rescue operation. Everyone involved is hoping for a miracle, even as the hours continue to pass.

A Waiting Game for Answers

In conclusion, the search for Fernando Martín and his three children is a race against time and nature. While the rescue teams are doing everything they can, the rough seas of the Padar Strait make the work slow. The survivors are currently safe in Labuan Bajo, receiving medical care and emotional support.

Meanwhile, the world of soccer continues to mourn the loss of a talented coach and his young family. As the search enters its third day, the hope for good news is fading, but the determination of the rescuers remains strong. We can only hope that the family finds some peace and that the missing are brought home soon.

Read More Articles Click Here. Read Previous Articles Click Here.