spanish women

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

The boat carrying a family of six, four crew members and a local guide sank on Friday night after suffering engine failure on a trip from Komodo Island to Padar Island, said Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office.

Three people were rescued by a passing boat and four others were rescued by a search and rescue team, he said. Among the survivors were the Spanish mother and a daughter. The father, two sons and another daughter are missing, he said.

Spanish soccer club Valencia said the victims included the coach of its women’s reserve team, Fernando Martín, and three of his children. In a statement on X, Valencia CF expressed its condolences and said that local authorities confirmed his death. Real Madrid CF also offered its condolences for the death of Martín, 44, and his three children.

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

According to Real Madrid, the ages of the three children were 12, 10 and 9 years old.

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

“Our teams have been combing the waters north of Padar Island until nightfall,” 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 the endangered Komodo dragon. The park attracts thousands of visitors for diving, hiking and wildlife tours.

Survivors were treated at the port office in the city of Labuan Bajo, while strong waves up to 8.2 feet high and darkness hampered emergency services overnight, Rahman said.

Multiple rescue units in inflatable boats, a navy ship with diving equipment and a rescue boat participated in the search, with the help of fishermen and local residents. It focused on a 5-nautical-mile radius of the sinking site, where rescuers found the wreckage of the ship, Rahman said.

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