A boating accident in the waters of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park has claimed the lives of Spanish football coach Fernando Martín and three of his children, after the wooden charter vessel KM Putri Sakinah capsized near Padar Island.
The incident occurred on 27 December as the family was travelling on a short tour passage between Komodo Island and Padar Island, a route commonly used by local operators carrying visitors through the national park. The boat was carrying 11 people at the time, including six members of the Martín family, four crew, and a local guide.
Indonesian authorities said the vessel encountered heavy seas and suffered possible engine issues before capsizing. Wave heights in the area were reported at up to three metres, with strong tidal flow running through the channel.
According to Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, the KM Putri Sakinah was operating near Padar Island when conditions deteriorated. The wooden vessel capsized during the evening, prompting an immediate search operation.
The KM Putri Sakinah
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Three people were rescued by a passing vessel, while four others were later located by search and rescue teams. Among the survivors were Martín’s wife Andrea and their seven year old daughter Mar, along with the crew and guide.
Fernando Martín and three of his children, Elia, 12, Kike, 10, and Mateo, 9, were initially listed as missing as search crews worked through the night.
Debris believed to be from the vessel was located near the reported sinking position, confirming the seriousness of the incident early in the response.
Search operations continued into the following day but were repeatedly disrupted by weather and visibility. Strong currents, darkness, and exposed water between the islands limited the effectiveness of overnight searching.
Rescue teams suspended operations on Saturday evening local time due to deteriorating conditions, resuming again the following morning. The search area expanded quickly as drift calculations widened the likely locations of missing persons.
Despite the scale of the response, including inflatable rescue craft, a navy vessel with diving equipment, and assistance from local fishermen, the outcome was confirmed later the same day.
Confirmation of the deaths came through Valencia CF, which said local authorities had confirmed the loss of Fernando Martín and three of his children. The club expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to Martín’s wife Andrea, daughter Mar, and extended family.
Real Madrid CF also issued a statement of support, extending its sympathies to the family and the wider Valencia football community.
Martín, 44, was a former player who progressed through Valencia’s academy system before moving into coaching. At the time of his death, he was coaching the club’s women’s reserve side, Femenino B, and had overseen a strong start to the season.
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known globally for its dramatic island scenery, diving grounds, and the endangered Komodo dragon. The park attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of whom travel between islands on small charter vessels.
While often marketed as a scenic and sheltered cruising destination, the waters between islands can be exposed. Narrow channels, tidal acceleration zones, and rapidly changing sea states are common, particularly when weather systems move through the region.
