Spanish Soccer Coach, 3 Kids Lost in Indonesian Boat Sinking

Indonesian rescuers continued their search on Saturday for Spanish soccer coach Fernando Martín and his three children after a tourist boat carrying 11 people sank overnight near Padar Island, a popular spot in Komodo National Park.

The boat, carrying a family of six, four crew members, and a local guide, reportedly suffered engine failure on a trip from Komodo Island to Padar on Friday evening. Three people were rescued by a passing vessel, and four others, including the Spanish mother and one daughter, were picked up by the search and rescue team. Martín, two sons, and another daughter remain missing.

Valencia CF confirmed Martín, coach of its women’s reserve team, and his children were among the victims. Real Madrid CF also offered condolences. Search efforts were suspended Saturday evening due to poor weather and low visibility and are set to resume Sunday morning.

“The teams have been combing the northern waters of Padar Island until dusk. We are determined to find the victims,” said Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office.

Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and the endangered Komodo dragon. Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on boats for transport, and accidents are frequent due to lax safety standards and overcrowding.