Indonesian rescuers recovered a female body near Serai Island, about 1 km (0.6 mi) from where a tour boat sank near Komodo National Park. The victim is believed to be a family member of Valencia CF Women’s B coach Fernando Martín. Martín and three children (ages 9, 10 and 12) remain missing as nearly 100 personnel continue search operations that have doubled in area. The body was taken to Labuan Bajo for medical and forensic identification.
Body Recovered Near Komodo National Park as Search Continues for Valencia Coach Fernando Martín and Three Children
In this photo released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, rescuers put a body recovered from the water where tour boat sank near Padar Island into an ambulance in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Indonesian rescuers recovered the body of a female believed to be a member of the family of Valencia CF Women’s B coach Fernando Martín, officials said, as search teams pressed on for the coach and three children still missing after a tour boat sank near Komodo National Park.
In this photo released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, rescuers examine a debris believed to be a part of a tour boat that sank, near Padar Island within Komodo National Park, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The body was found just after dawn Monday floating in waters north of Serai Island, about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) from where the vessel went down, after a local resident alerted authorities, said Fathur Rahman, chief of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office. The victim was taken to a hospital in Labuan Bajo for medical and forensic identification; relatives accompanied the ambulance.
In this photo released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, rescuers examine the waters where a debris believed to be from a tour boat that sank was found, near Padar Island within Komodo National Park, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Incident details: The sightseeing boat carrying Martín, his wife Andrea, their four children, four crew members and a local guide sank Friday evening after suffering engine failure during a trip inside Komodo National Park, a popular destination for diving, trekking and wildlife tours. In the immediate aftermath, Martín’s wife, Andrea, their youngest daughter Mar and several crew members and the guide were rescued and treated. Martín, two sons and another daughter—aged 9, 10 and 12—remain missing.
In this photo released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, rescuers examine a debris believed to be from a tour boat that sank, near Padar Island within Komodo National Park, Indonesia. (BASARNAS via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Search operation: The operation entered its fourth day Monday with nearly 100 personnel involved, including police and navy units, rescue vessels and inflatable boats, local fishers and volunteer residents. Divers have also been deployed. Search teams are combing four sectors and have doubled the search area from the original 9-kilometer (5.6-mile) radius centered on the sinking site, where debris from the boat was recovered. Indonesian law requires search operations to continue for seven days and permits extensions if needed.
Context: Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for rugged terrain, pristine beaches and the endangered Komodo dragon. Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where boats are a common mode of transport; persistent safety shortfalls and frequent overcrowding contribute to recurring maritime accidents.
Valencia CF described the incident as “a devastating loss” for the club and its community. La Liga and other Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, issued messages of support and condolences.
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