Indonesian rescue workers searched for a Spanish soccer coach and his three children on Saturday after a tour boat carrying 11 people sank overnight off a popular destination. Komodo National Park officials said.
The boat carrying a family of six, four crew members, and a local guide sank on Friday evening after an engine failure while travelling from Komodo Island to Padre Island, said Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere search and rescue office.
A passing ship rescued three people, while search and rescue teams picked up four others. Survivors include a Spanish mother and a daughter. The father, two sons, and another daughter are missing, he said.
Spanish football club Valencia,
Spanish football club Valencia said its women’s reserve team coach Fernando Martín and his three children were among the victims.
In a statement on X, Valencia CF expressed condolences, saying his death had been confirmed by local authorities.
Real Madrid CF also expressed its condolences over the death of Martin, 44, and his three children.
“Real Madrid wishes to express its horror and express its condolences and deep affection to his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, Mar, at this incredibly difficult time.”
the club said this in a statement. “Similarly, we extend our condolences to all of his family members, loved ones, and the entire Valencia community.”
According to Real Madrid, the ages of the three children were 12, 10 and 9 years.
Rahman said the search was halted on Saturday evening due to severe weather and poor visibility and would be resumed on Sunday morning.
“Our teams are searching the northern waters of Padar Island until evening,” Rahman said. “We are committed to finding the victims.”
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and the endangered Komodo dragon.
The park attracts thousands of tourists for diving, trekking and wildlife tourism.
The survivors were treated at the port office in Labuan Bajo city, Rahman said, after strong waves up to 8.2 feet high and darkness hampered emergency responders overnight.
The search involved several rescue units in inflatable boats, a navy ship with diving equipment, and a rescue ship, with assistance from local fishermen and residents.
It was concentrated within a 5 nautical mile radius of the sinking site, where rescuers found the boat’s debris, Rahman said.
Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where boats are a common means of transportation.
Lax safety standards and overcrowding problems frequently lead to accidents.
