Two weeks of intense searching in the waters off Komodo Island have ended without results. Indonesian rescuers have officially called off the search operation for Kike — the ten-year-old boy from Valencia who disappeared after a tourist boat capsized. The boy’s family, who had set out on a trip across exotic islands, found themselves at the center of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three Spaniards. Two people survived, but Kike’s fate remains unknown.
The boy’s relatives held out hope for a miracle until the very end and asked that the search continue until all victims were found. However, on Friday, rescue boats returned to the port of Labuan Bajo empty-handed. Representatives of the Indonesian rescue service admitted that they had combed all possible areas — both sea and shore — but found no trace of the boy. “We did everything we could,” one of the operation’s coordinators said, his voice heavy with regret.
Family tragedy
On that fateful evening, six members of the Spanish family were on board the ill-fated boat. Three of them — former footballer and coach of Valencia women’s team Fernando Martin, his son Mateo, and 12-year-old Lia, daughter of Andrea Ortuño — lost their lives. Andrea and her younger daughter, just seven years old, survived and were rescued. Kike, Andrea’s son from a previous relationship, is still missing.
The family had only recently celebrated the wedding of Andrea and Fernando. Their trip to Indonesia was meant to be the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, but it turned into a tragedy that shook not only their loved ones but the entire Spanish public. The story of a family that lost several members at once sparked a wave of sympathy and support in Valencia and far beyond.
Causes of the disaster
The disaster occurred on the evening of December 26, when the tourist boat KM Putri Sakinah sank off the coast of Padar Island (Padar) in Komodo National Park. On board were not only Spanish tourists, but also four crew members and a guide—all of whom were rescued. Immediately after the tragedy, a large-scale search and rescue operation began, involving dozens of rescuers, boats, and even aircraft.
Indonesian police have already launched an investigation into possible negligence that led to the deaths. The ship’s captain and chief engineer have become subjects of a criminal case. They face up to five years in prison if it is proven that their actions or inaction caused the sinking. Investigators are examining whether all safety measures were followed and what the actual causes of the accident were.
Search efforts and hope
Despite the official end of the search, rescuers do not rule out that new evidence may emerge in the future. Authorities have promised to inform the family if any fishermen or passing vessels discover anything related to the missing boy. However, with each passing day, the chances of this become increasingly slim.
For the Spanish diaspora in Indonesia and for residents of Valencia, this story came as a real shock. People had held out hope that Kike would be found alive, or at least that his body could be brought home to his family. But reality proved much harsher. Messages of support and condolences continue to appear on social media, while local authorities promise not to forget the tragedy.
Response and aftermath
The tragedy in Komodo National Park has again raised concerns about the safety of tourist transport in the region. Many are left wondering whether all the necessary measures to protect passengers had been taken and whether a similar incident could happen again. Spanish diplomats remain in contact with Indonesian authorities and the victims’ family, providing all possible assistance.
In Valencia itself, the memory of those lost will live on for a long time. The football community is mourning Fernando Martin, while friends and acquaintances of the family are raising funds to support the survivors. This tragedy is a stark reminder of how fragile human life is and how suddenly happiness can be cut short.
As RUSSPAIN.COM reported earlier, the body and hull of the vessel where the Spanish family disappeared were discovered in the waters off Komodo Island. At that time, the search was still ongoing, and the fate of two children remained unknown. This story shook all of Spain and generated intense public response. For more on the early days of the search and society’s reaction, see our previous coverage.
