Spanish women’s football coach, 3 children missing after boat sinks near Komodo island in Indonesia

Indonesian rescuers were searching for a Spanish soccer coach and three of his children on Saturday after a tour boat carrying 11 people sank overnight in a popular destination in the country. Komodo National Parkofficials said.

The boat carrying the family of six, four crew members and a local guide sank Friday evening after suffering an engine failure while traveling from Komodo Island to Padar Island, said Fathur Rahman, who heads the Maumere search and rescue office.

He said three people were rescued by a passing ship and four others were picked up by a search and rescue team. Survivors included the Spanish mother and a daughter. The father, two sons and another daughter were missing, he said.

Spanish football club Valencia said the coach of its women’s reserve team, Fernando Martín, and three of his children were among the victims. In a statement on XValencia CF expressed their condolences, saying their deaths had been confirmed by local authorities. Real Madrid CF also offered its condolences over the death of Martin, 44, and his three children.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its horror and extends its condolences and deepest affection to his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, Mar, at this incredibly difficult time,” the club said in a statement. statement. “Likewise, we extend our condolences to all his family and loved ones, as well as to the entire Valencian family.”

According to Real Madrid, the three children were aged 12, 10 and 9.

Rahman said the search was suspended Saturday evening due to bad weather and poor visibility and would resume early Sunday.

“Our teams plied the waters off northern Padar Island until dusk,” Rahman said. “We are determined to find the victims.”

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches and endangered Komodo dragon. The park attracts thousands of visitors for diving, hiking and guided wildlife tours.

Survivors were treated at the port office in Labuan Bajo town, as strong waves reaching 8.2 feet high and darkness hampered rescue efforts overnight, Rahman said.

The search involved several rescue units aboard inflatable boats, a navy ship equipped with diving equipment and a rescue vessel, with the help of fishermen and local residents. It was centered on a 5-nautical-mile radius from the shipwreck site, where rescuers found the boat’s debris, Rahman said.

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where boats are a common means of transportation. Due to lax safety standards and overcrowding issues, accidents occur frequently.