Search and rescue teams in Indonesia have recovered the body of Spanish football coach Fernando Martín Carreras, more than a week after a tourist boat sank in rough seas.
A Tragic Discovery Near the Accident Site
The head of the local search and rescue agency, Fathur Rahman, confirmed that a body was found floating today in waters near Rinca island. The location was approximately two kilometres from where the vessel went down on December 26th in the Padar Island Strait, close to the popular tourist hub of Labuan Bajo.
Following a formal identification process, authorities confirmed the victim was 44-year-old Fernando Martín Carreras. The former footballer was the coach of the reserve women's team at La Liga club Valencia CF.
Ongoing Search for the Missing
Carreras was on the boat with his family when it sank. His wife and one of their daughters were among seven people rescued immediately after the incident. Four crew members and a tour guide were also saved.
Tragically, the body of another of Carreras's daughters was found on Monday. Two people remain missing, both boys from the same family. Rescuers have stated they will continue their search until Wednesday, utilising divers and sonar systems.
Investigation and Tributes
Local police have now launched an investigation into the cause of the sinking, as reported by the state news agency Antara. A police spokesman indicated that legal action would be pursued if evidence of negligence is uncovered.
Valencia CF paid heartfelt tribute to their coach in a social media statement, expressing deep sadness at the death of Fernando Martín and three of his children. The club extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Real Madrid also issued a statement, conveying their horror and offering support to Carreras's wife, Andrea, and his daughter, Mar, who survived the accident. The statement noted that Carreras died alongside his children, aged 12, 10, and 9.
Such maritime accidents are regrettably common in Indonesia, a vast archipelago of around 17,000 islands, where safety standards can be lax and weather conditions unpredictable.
