INDONESIAN RESCUERS RECOVER BODY WHILE SEARCHING FOR MISSING SPANISH SOCCER COACH AND THREE CHILDREN. (PHOTO).

Indonesian rescuers recover body while searching for missing Spanish soccer coach and three children

Indonesian rescuers recovered the body of a female victim believed to be part of the family of a Spanish soccer coach and his three children, who went missing after their tour boat sank three days ago. The body was found just after dawn Monday, floating near the northern waters of Serai Island, about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) from the sinking site, after being spotted by a local resident, officials said. The remains were transported to a hospital in Labuan Bajo, a gateway to Komodo National Park, for identification, with relatives accompanying the victim to ensure proper medical and forensic procedures.

The tragedy struck the family of Fernando Martín, 44, coach of Valencia CF Women’s B team, during a holiday in Komodo National Park when the boat carrying him, his wife, their four children, four crew members, and a local guide sank Friday evening following engine failure. Martín’s wife, Andrea, their youngest daughter, Mar, along with the four crew members and the guide, were rescued shortly after the incident. Martín, two sons, and another daughter, aged 9, 10, and 12, remain missing. Authorities said the rescued family members are in good health, and investigations into the accident are ongoing.

Valencia CF expressed condolences over the loss, calling it “a devastating tragedy,” while Spain’s La Liga and other clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, offered messages of support. The search, now in its fourth day, has been reinforced with over 100 personnel, including police, navy, local fishers, and volunteers, covering four sectors with inflatable boats, navy ships, rescue vessels, and divers. The search area has doubled from the original 9-kilometer (5.6-mile) radius, focusing on the waters around Padar Island and nearby islets, including Serai, Pengah, Papagarang, Siaba Besar, and northern Kanawa Island.

Despite strong currents, heavy rain, and high waves, divers have conducted two deep-water dives between 18–28 meters, but no additional victims have been found. Search operations were suspended Monday evening due to poor weather and visibility, with plans to resume Tuesday morning. Indonesian law allows searches to continue for seven days, extendable if necessary. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rugged terrain, beaches, and the endangered Komodo dragon, draws thousands of international visitors each year. Boat travel is common across Indonesia’s archipelago of over 17,000 islands, but lax safety standards and overcrowding frequently contribute to accidents.