Rescuers are intensifying their search for a Spanish soccer coach and three of his children who remain missing after a tourist boat carrying 11 people capsized in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. The vessel, en route from Komodo Island to Padar Island, a popular tourist destination, reportedly suffered engine failure before sinking on Friday evening.
Officials stated that the boat was carrying a family of six, four crew members, and a local guide. High waves, reaching up to three meters, are believed to have contributed to the disaster, according to the Labuan Bajo port authority. Three individuals were successfully rescued by a passing vessel, while another four were picked up by a dedicated search and rescue team.
The survivors include the Spanish mother and one of her daughters. Tragically, the father, identified as Fernando Martín, a coach for Valencia CF’s women’s reserve team, and two sons and another daughter are still unaccounted for. Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF have both issued statements expressing their sorrow and offering condolences.
The search operation, initially suspended on Saturday evening due to adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, has resumed with renewed determination. Search teams have been meticulously combing the northern waters of Padar Island, with authorities expressing a strong commitment to locating the missing individuals.
Debris from the vessel, including parts of its hull, have been discovered near the presumed sinking site, offering grim evidence of the incident. Footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency depicted emergency workers assisting survivors, some of whom were barefoot, from an inflatable boat onto shore.
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, untouched beaches, and the iconic Komodo dragon. The park draws a significant number of visitors annually for activities such as diving, trekking, and wildlife observation. Indonesia, an archipelago nation with over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on maritime transport, where accidents, often attributed to lax safety standards and overcrowding, are a persistent concern.
