The body of Martin Carreras Fernando, a coach of the Valencia CF women’s football team, and the body of his 12 year old daughter have been cremated in Bali following a boat sinking incident in waters off Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara. The cremation took place after the remains were transferred from Labuan Bajo due to limited mortuary facilities in the area.
Fernando was among the victims of a tourist boat sinking that occurred on January 6, 2026. After the bodies were recovered, both were moved to Bali as authorities and the family faced constraints related to the availability of mortuary freezers in Labuan Bajo.
Transfer from Labuan Bajo Due to Facility Constraints
The transfer of the bodies to Bali was conducted because of limited availability of mortuary freezers at RSUD Komodo, the main regional hospital in Labuan Bajo. Fernando’s body was flown from Komodo International Airport to Bali using a Batik Air flight.
Budi, who has been assisting the family during the recovery and transfer process, explained that the condition of the bodies did not allow for long term storage while waiting for repatriation to Spain. As a result, the family agreed to proceed with cremation in Bali.
The transfer of the remains was also intended to free up mortuary freezer space at RSUD Komodo. The hospital needed to ensure availability in anticipation of the possible recovery of other victims from the same incident.
“The freezer was prepared for the two victims who have not been found,” said Budi.
Cremation in Bali and Repatriation Plans
Following their arrival in Bali, the bodies of Fernando and his 12 year old daughter were cremated. The decision was based on practical considerations related to preservation and timing, given the circumstances surrounding the incident and the repatriation process.
“Creamation has been done in Bali,” said Budi.
After the cremation, the family plans to bring the ashes to Spain at a later date. Preparations for the transfer of the ashes are expected to be coordinated once the remaining search efforts are concluded and administrative procedures are completed.
Family Members and Ongoing Search Efforts
Fernando’s wife and several family members are currently in Bali. They remain there while awaiting further updates from authorities regarding the search for two other victims who are still missing. The two missing individuals are Fernando’s sons, who have not yet been located since the boat sinking.
A joint Search and Rescue team continues operations in waters around the location of the incident. As of the latest update, no official confirmation has been issued regarding the discovery of the two missing children.
Earlier, Fernando’s 12 year old daughter had been transferred to Bali on December 31, 2025, two days after she was found. The decision at that time was made for the same reason, namely the limited capacity of mortuary freezer facilities at RSUD Komodo in Labuan Bajo.
Survivor Returned to Spain
Another of Fernando’s daughters survived the boat sinking. According to information provided by those assisting the family, the surviving child has since been taken to Spain. Other family members remain in Bali while monitoring the ongoing search and awaiting confirmed information from authorities.
