Indonesian rescuers find a second body as search for Spanish soccer coach and 2 children extended

Indonesian Rescuers Recover Second Body in Search for Missing Spanish Coach and Children

Indonesian rescue teams have recovered a second body during their ongoing search for Spanish soccer coach Fernando Martín and two of his children who went missing after their tour boat sank in Komodo National Park during a Christmas holiday trip.

The body was found floating near Padar Island, approximately 2 kilometers from where the vessel sank on December 26. Fathur Rahman, chief of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office, confirmed the discovery but said authorities have not yet identified the victim. The body has been transported to a hospital in Labuan Bajo, the gateway town to the national park in eastern Indonesia, for formal identification.

This discovery follows the recovery of Martín’s 12-year-old daughter three days after the incident. Her body was found floating in waters near Serai Island, about 1 kilometer from the accident site. The girl’s identity was confirmed through medical and forensic identification, with verification from Martín’s wife.

The holiday trip turned tragic for the 44-year-old Valencia CF Women’s B coach when the boat carrying him, his wife, their four children, four crew members, and a local guide experienced engine failure and sank. While rescue teams managed to save Martín’s wife, one of their children, the crew members, and the guide in the hours following the accident, the coach and two sons aged 9 and 10 remain missing.

“We are determined to find all the victims,” Rahman stated, after announcing that search operations had been extended to January 4, beyond the standard seven-day period typically mandated by Indonesian law. “We remain optimistic that the hard work of all SAR elements will yield results during this extended operation.”

The search, now in its tenth day, has been significantly expanded with more than 160 personnel from multiple agencies including police and naval forces. Teams are systematically combing four designated sectors across Komodo National Park waters using inflatable boats, navy ships, and specialized rescue vessels equipped with sonar and underwater navigation equipment. Professional divers have also been deployed to aid in the search efforts.

The Spanish government has been actively involved in supporting the search operation. Spain’s ambassador formally requested continued reinforcement of the search in a letter dated December 31, highlighting the international diplomatic efforts to locate the remaining missing family members.

Komodo National Park, where the tragedy occurred, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned globally for its pristine natural beauty, including rugged landscapes and pristine beaches. The park is perhaps best known as the habitat of the endangered Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard species. The protected area attracts thousands of international visitors annually for diving, trekking, and wildlife tours, making it one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations.

The incident underscores the ongoing safety concerns with maritime transportation in Indonesia. As an archipelagic nation comprising more than 17,000 islands, boats serve as a vital means of transportation throughout the country. However, lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding have contributed to frequent maritime accidents in Indonesian waters.

Local authorities have not released details about the specific cause of the engine failure that led to the sinking, nor have they commented on the vessel’s safety equipment or emergency protocols. The investigation into the incident continues as search operations persist for the remaining missing individuals.