Daftarsbmptn.com – The world of global football and international tourism is in mourning after a tragic tourist boat sank off the coast of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), killing the coach of the Valencia CF B women’s team, Fernando Martín, and his three children. This incident shocked the sports community and the wider public.
According to reports from local authorities and an official statement from Valencia CF, Martín and his three children were declared dead after the family’s Pinisi-style tourist boat, the Putri Sakinah, sank in the Padar Island Strait on Friday evening, December 27, 2025.
Chronology of the Incident, From Vacation to Tragedy
The Martín family’s trip, which was originally intended for a vacation in the Komodo National Park area, ended tragically when the boat they were traveling on experienced engine failure and was hit by high waves, which at the time reached between 1.5 and 2 meters, complicating control and rescue operations.
The boat was carrying a total of 11 people, including Martín’s family, four crew members, and a tour guide. The incident occurred in the waters between Komodo Island and Padar Island, two of the most popular marine tourism destinations in the Labuan Bajo area.
Rescue efforts were carried out by a joint Indonesian search and rescue team, along with local fishermen and other tourist boats in the area. Seven people were rescued, including Martín’s wife, Andrea Ortuno, and their seven-year-old daughter.
However, after an intensive search hampered by bad weather and high waves, local authorities later confirmed that Fernando Martín and his three children, aged 9, 10, and 12, were pronounced dead.
Deep Sorrow from the Football World
The tragic news immediately sparked a wave of condolences across the international football world. Valencia CF released an official statement via their club’s official Twitter account, expressing their deep sorrow for the loss of their coach and three children, and offering their full support to the bereaved family.
Several major European clubs also sent messages of support. Real Madrid CF expressed their sympathy to Martín’s family and the Valencia CF community, while the Spanish Football Federation expressed its condolences for this tragedy, which has deeply affected the sports community and its fans.
Reactions from the football community also poured in on social media, reflecting the deep sorrow and solidarity across clubs over the tragic fate of the 44-year-old coach.
Rescue Hampered by Weather and Operational Challenges
Initial search operations took place around the Padar Island Strait, but were temporarily suspended due to bad weather and high waves that hampered visibility and the safety of the search and rescue team. Authorities stated that they would resume the search the following morning when conditions were deemed more stable.
Padar Island and the surrounding area are known as one of the most beautiful marine tourism destinations in Indonesia, attracting thousands of tourists each year with their stunning natural scenery. However, these waters can sometimes present challenges, especially during high waves and inclement weather.
Local and International Response
This tragedy not only made national news in Indonesia but also attracted significant international media attention. Many international publications have highlighted this tragic story as a warning about the safety risks of marine tourism, while also highlighting the fragility of life when disaster strikes suddenly.
Valencia CF has announced that it will provide all possible support to the surviving family members and is working to organize a memorial service for Martín and his three children to honor their service and memory at the club.
Conclusion, A Grief That Unites the World
This shipwreck was a heartbreaking tragedy that shook not only the global football community but also the wider public who learned about the story from around the world. The loss of a coach and father of three in a holiday disaster has left deep sorrow and prompted reflection on the importance of safety in the increasingly popular marine tourism industry.