The tragedy that unfolded off the coast of Indonesia in late December shook not only the Spanish community but everyone following the fate of Fernando Martin’s family. What was meant to be a family adventure turned into a nightmare that still lingers. On Sunday, search teams announced they had found the body of Fernando Martin — coach of the Valencia women’s team and father, who went missing after the sinking of the KM Putri Sakinah.
Martin, aged 44, traveled to Indonesia with his wife Andrea Ortuño and children from previous marriages. Fate was unkind: two of the six children stayed behind in Valencia, while the rest joined their parents on the islands. It was there, near the island of Padar, that disaster struck. According to local experts, it was caused by a sudden change in weather and a severe storm.
Search efforts and discoveries
Since the tragedy, search operations have continued without pause. Indonesian rescuers pressed on in the waters of Komodo National Park despite difficult weather conditions. Shortly after the accident, the first victim was found—a 12-year-old daughter of Andrea. Now, several days later, the body of Fernando Martin himself has been recovered. His identity was officially confirmed after the required identification procedures.
The family who survived this nightmare is still struggling to recover from the shock. Andrea Ortuño and one of her daughters were rescued and have already returned to Spain. The father of the surviving girl traveled to Indonesia specifically to bring his child home. However, two boys — Andrea’s son and Fernando’s son — are still missing. Indonesian authorities have decided to extend the search for another three days in hopes of finding any trace of them.
Causes of the tragedy
According to preliminary reports, the vessel sank due to a powerful storm, triggered by a tornado that hit southern Indonesia on the day of the disaster. The waves were so strong that the boat’s engine failed under the strain and lost power. At that moment, the vessel was at the mercy of the elements and quickly sank. Rescuers later found pieces of the hull, a gas cylinder, and parts of the captain’s cabin about five nautical miles from the site of the tragedy.
Other items belonging to the tourist boat were found during the search, including life jackets and wooden boards from the upper deck. All discoveries were confirmed by the vessel’s captain, helping to clarify details of the incident. The victims’ families expressed gratitude to everyone who supported them during these difficult days, noting that the outpouring of sympathy and support has not stopped.
Family tragedy
The story of this family is more than just a tragedy—it’s a true drama where the lives of people from different cities and countries have become intertwined. Fernando Martin was well known in Valencia’s football circles as a talented coach and devoted father. His wife Andrea, who survived the disaster, now has to cope with her loss and care for the children who made it through. The family captured public attention not only because of the scale of the tragedy, but also because incidents like this involving European tourists in Indonesia are extremely rare.
In recent years, Indonesia has become a popular destination for travelers from Europe, including Spain. However, this story serves as a reminder that even the most beautiful places can hide danger, especially when taking boat trips during storm season. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation into the crash and have promised to strengthen safety measures along tourist routes.
Search efforts continue
Despite the rescuers’ efforts, the fate of the two boys remains unknown. Search teams continue to comb the shores and waters around Padar Island, still hoping for a miracle. The families of the missing haven’t lost hope, though with each passing day, the chances of finding survivors grow slimmer. In Spain, both relatives and the football community—where Fernando Martin was more than just a coach—are closely following the story.
This tragedy has reminded us of the fragility of human life and how quickly everything that seemed so stable and familiar can change. Spanish society has rallied around the Martín family, offering support and readiness to help in this difficult time. There are still many challenges ahead, but the memory of those lost will stay with them forever.
As RUSSPAIN.COM previously reported, the search for the Spanish family after the tourist boat sank off the island of Padar in Indonesia is ongoing. At that time, it was reported that rescuers were battling rough weather and strong currents, while the fate of Fernando Martín and his three children remained unknown. Read more about the beginning of this tragic story in our previous coverage.
