Indonesian rescuers have recovered a second body in the ongoing search for a Spanish soccer coach and two of his children who went missing after a tour boat sank during their Christmas holiday.
The body was found floating near Padar Island, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the site where the boat sank, according to Fathur Rahman, chief of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office. Authorities have not yet identified the newly recovered body, but it is believed to be a member of the family on holiday in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. The body was taken to a hospital in Labuan Bajo, a nearby gateway town, for identification.
The tragedy occurred on December 26 when a boat carrying Valencia CF Women’s B coach Fernando Martín, 44, his wife, four children, four crew members, and a local guide sank after engine failure. Martín’s wife and one child, along with the four crew members and the guide, were rescued shortly after the incident. However, Martín, two of his sons, and another daughter, aged 9, 10, and 12, remained missing.
The first victim recovered was the 12-year-old daughter, found three days after the sinking near the northern waters of Serai Island, approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the accident site. Indonesian authorities confirmed her identity with the help of medical and forensic experts, as well as Martín’s wife.
Rahman said the Spanish government and the victims’ families have been actively involved in the search. Spain’s ambassador formally requested increased support for the operation in a letter dated December 31. Under Indonesian law, search and rescue operations typically last seven days but can be extended if there are indications that victims may still be found.
“We are determined to find all the victims,” Rahman said after a review by the joint search and rescue (SAR) team, which extended the operation to January 4. “We remain optimistic that the hard work of all SAR elements will yield results during this extended operation.”
The operation, which entered its tenth day on Sunday, continues to focus on locating the remaining family members. More than 160 personnel are participating, supported by the police and the navy. Teams are combing four sectors using inflatable boats, navy ships, and rescue vessels equipped with sonar and underwater navigation tools. Divers have also been deployed to search deeper waters.
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its rugged terrain, pristine beaches, and the endangered Komodo dragon. The park draws thousands of international visitors each year for diving, trekking, and wildlife tours.
Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on boats for transportation. Accidents are common due to lax safety regulations, overcrowding, and mechanical failures, especially in remote areas. Authorities have urged tourists and operators to follow strict safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.
The international community is closely monitoring the rescue efforts, and Spanish officials remain in contact with Indonesian authorities to ensure maximum support. The recovered bodies are being handled with care, while forensic teams continue to confirm identities and notify the families.
The search effort is a race against time, with conditions in Komodo National Park’s waters posing challenges due to strong currents and visibility issues. Authorities have committed to continuing the mission until all missing persons are found, emphasizing the importance of safety for both rescuers and survivors.
The boat accident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks tourists face when traveling in Indonesia’s remote maritime areas, highlighting the need for strict adherence to safety measures and proper vessel maintenance.
