On December 26, a tragic incident unfolded in Indonesia's Komodo National Park when a tour boat sank, resulting in the disappearance of Spanish soccer coach Fernando Martín, 44, and two of his children. The family was on a holiday in the picturesque national park, which is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The coach's wife and one child, along with four crew members and a local guide, were rescued shortly after the incident, but Martín and his two sons, aged 9 and 10, and his 12-year-old daughter went missing.
In the days following the sinking, search and rescue operations were launched. On January 4, rescuers recovered a second body near Padar island, approximately 2 kilometers from the site of the sinking. This body, which has not yet been officially identified, is believed to belong to a member of Martín's family and was transported to a hospital in Labuan Bajo, a gateway town to Komodo National Park, for identification purposes. The first victim recovered was the 12-year-old daughter, whose body was found three days later floating near Serai island, around 1 kilometer from the incident site. Indonesian authorities confirmed her identity through collaboration with Martín's wife and via medical and forensic identification methods.
Fathur Rahman, the chief of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office, emphasized the involvement of both the Spanish government and the families of the victims in the search efforts. On December 31, Spain’s ambassador formally requested reinforcements for the ongoing search. Under Indonesian law, search operations generally last for seven days but may be extended if there are indications that victims could still be found.
As of January 4, the search operation had entered its tenth day, with a team of over 160 personnel supported by police and the navy. Divers, inflatable boats, navy vessels, and rescue ships equipped with sonar technology were used to cover four designated areas of the waters surrounding Komodo National Park. Rahman expressed optimism about the extended operation's potential success in locating the remaining family members, stating, "We are determined to find all the victims."
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts thousands of tourists annually for activities such as diving, trekking, and wildlife tours. However, Indonesia, as an archipelago with over 17,000 islands, has faced challenges regarding maritime safety. Many boats operate under lax safety standards and suffer from overcrowding, leading to frequent accidents at sea.
The search team remains hopeful as they continue their efforts to recover the remaining family members who are still unaccounted for. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the risks associated with boating in Indonesia and the emotional toll on families affected by such tragic events.
