UPDATE: Indonesian rescuers have recovered the body of a female victim believed to be part of the family of Spanish football coach Fernando Martin, who went missing after a tour boat sank on July 15, 2023. The body was found just after dawn on Monday, floating near Serai Island, approximately 1 km from the site of the incident.
The victim’s body was spotted by a local resident and subsequently transported to a hospital in Labuan Bajo for identification, confirmed Fathur Rahman, chief of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office. “Relatives of the victim joined the ambulance to ensure identification through medical and forensic procedures,” Rahman stated.
The tragedy unfolded during a family holiday in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The boat, carrying Martin, his wife Andrea, their four children, and four crew members, sank following an engine failure while navigating the park’s waters, which attract thousands of visitors each year.
Rescue teams managed to save Martin’s wife, Andrea, their youngest daughter Mar, and several crew members shortly after the incident. However, Fernando and his two sons, aged 9 and 10, along with their 12-year-old daughter remain unaccounted for. The search operation, now in its fourth day, has expanded to a 9 km radius from the initial sinking site, where debris from the boat was located.
The Valencia CF football club, where Martin serves as the women’s team coach, expressed condolences, labeling the incident “a devastating loss” for the club and its community. Spain’s La Liga has also extended its support, alongside messages from other major clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident as the search for the remaining family members continues. Indonesia, with over 17,000 islands, frequently experiences maritime accidents due to lax safety standards and overcrowding. The situation is being monitored closely by local officials and international observers.
As this developing story unfolds, further updates will be provided on the search efforts and the ongoing investigation into this tragic accident.
