Indonesian search and rescue teams have recovered the body of a female victim believed to be a member of the family of a Spanish soccer coach, Fernando Martín, who vanished along with his three children after a tour boat capsized on Friday. The body was located just after dawn on Monday near Serai Island, approximately one kilometer from the site of the sinking.
Fathur Rahman, the head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office, reported that the body was initially spotted by a local resident and later transported to a hospital in Labuan Bajo for identification. Emergency responders ensured that family members accompanied the ambulance for proper identification through medical and forensic analysis.
The tragic incident unfolded when Martín, 44, was enjoying a family vacation at Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its diverse ecosystems and the iconic Komodo dragon. The boat, carrying his wife, four children, four crew members, and a local guide, encountered an engine failure, leading to its demise on Friday evening.
While Martín’s wife, Andrea, their youngest daughter Mar, and several others were rescued shortly after the incident, Martín and his two sons, aged 9 and 10, along with another daughter, aged 12, remain missing. Rahman confirmed that the surviving family members are currently in good health as the investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
The Valencia CF football club, where Martín serves as a coach for the women’s team, expressed their condolences, describing the situation as “a devastating loss” for both the club and its community. Spanish La Liga and prominent soccer clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona also extended messages of support to Martín’s family during this difficult time.
As the search operation reached its fourth day, authorities expanded the search radius to cover 18 kilometers from the site of the sinking. More than 100 personnel, supported by police, navy, and local fishermen, are actively combing the waters in inflatable boats, navy ships, and rescue vessels. Despite difficult conditions, including strong currents and heavy rain, divers have been deployed for deep-water searches, but no additional victims have been identified as of yet.
The ongoing search faced challenges on Monday evening due to adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, leading to a temporary suspension. Indonesian regulations allow for search operations to continue for up to seven days, with potential extensions if necessary.
This tragic event underscores the need for improved safety standards in Indonesia’s boat transport industry, where incidents often occur due to overcrowding and insufficient regulations. The solidarity shown by the soccer community reflects a collective hope for the safe recovery of the remaining family members.