A family holiday in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, ended in tragedy after a traditional pinisi boat carrying Valencia CF coach Fernando Martin Carreras and his family sank in waters near Komodo National Park. The incident occurred on Friday, 26 December 2025, involving the motor vessel KM Putri Sakinah, which was transporting a total of 11 people, including six passengers and five crew members.
According to available information, KM Putri Sakinah departed from Labuan Bajo Harbor earlier that day and initially traveled to Pulau Kalong. At approximately 8.30 PM Central Indonesia Time, the vessel left Pulau Kalong en route to Pulau Padar, a popular destination within the Komodo National Park area.
Vessel Loses Power at Sea
Roughly 30 minutes after departing Pulau Kalong, the vessel experienced engine failure while at sea. With no functioning engine, the boat was unable to maneuver as sea conditions deteriorated. Waves reportedly rose suddenly and struck the vessel twice, leading to the pinisi taking on water and eventually sinking.
“The ship was hit by two waves. In the second wave, the ship fell to the side and then sank,” said Mar, Sunday (28/12/2025).
The mechanical failure left the vessel vulnerable in open waters, and the situation escalated rapidly before emergency assistance could arrive at the scene.
Survivors Rescued by Passing Vessel and SAR Teams
Mar Martinez Ortuno and the couple’s youngest daughter, seven year old Ortuna Andrea, were among those who survived the incident. They managed to escape the sinking vessel along with several crew members and a tour guide. The group climbed onto a lifeboat and was later rescued by another vessel, followed by assistance from search and rescue personnel who were dispatched to the location.
Four individuals, identified as Fernando Martin Carreras and three of his children, Maria Lia Martinez Ortuno, Martin Garcia Mateo, and Martinez Ortuno Enriquejavier, did not resurface after the vessel went down. Authorities indicated they were believed to have been trapped inside the cabin area of the hull at the time of the sinking.
Body Found on Fourth Day of Search and Search Efforts Continue
On Monday, 29 December 2025, the Joint Search and Rescue Team reported the discovery of one body during the fourth day of search operations. The body, identified as female, was found floating in waters north of Pulau Serai following a report from local residents.
Head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office and SAR Mission Coordinator, Fathur Rahman, confirmed that the body was evacuated and transported to Labuan Bajo. Upon arrival at Marina Labuan Bajo Harbor, the remains were taken to Komodo Regional General Hospital for forensic identification. Family members accompanied the identification process.
Search operations for the remaining missing individuals are ongoing. Authorities stated that efforts have been reinforced with the deployment of KN SAR Puntadewa 250, along with other joint SAR elements, to expand the search area around the incident site. As of Monday, no additional findings had been officially confirmed.
