This past weekend, Valencia witnessed one of the most emotional farewell ceremonies in recent years. The San Josemaría Escrivá church could not accommodate all those who wanted to offer condolences and support to the families who lost four loved ones in the disaster off the coast of Indonesia. People stood in the aisles and outside on the street; many were unable to get inside. The city came to a standstill as the funeral procession moved through its streets, while thousands of condolence messages poured into social media, replacing each other by the minute.
The victims were Fernando Martin, his son Mateo, and Lia and Kike, children of Fernando’s wife, Andrea Ortuño. Their lives were cut short during a sightseeing trip in Komodo National Park. The boat they were on sank within minutes. The cause of the tragedy remains unclear, and the search for Kike’s body was unsuccessful despite the efforts of rescuers and volunteers.
A Family Tragedy
Fernando Martin was well known in Valencia’s sports circles. The former professional footballer coached the Valencia B women’s team and worked as a fitness instructor. His death came as a real shock to colleagues and friends. On the day of the funeral, the church was filled not only with relatives, but also with sports community representatives, local politicians, and ordinary city residents deeply moved by the scale of the tragedy.
Andrea Ortuño’s family is also well-known in Valencia. Her father owns the popular El Coso del Mar restaurant on Las Arenas beach. On this day, according to church staff, the turnout exceeded all expectations—around two thousand people attended. The event was also attended by local officials: President of the Valencian Parliament Llanos Massó, Vice President of the government Susana Camarero, government delegate Pilar Bernabé, and city mayor María José Catalá.
Words of support
Andrea’s brother, Álvaro Ortuño, gave a speech in which he noted that the families are saying goodbye to the victims with immense pain, but without hatred. He thanked everyone who supported them during these difficult days and emphasized that they will seek justice calmly, without revenge. Later, the families issued a joint statement expressing their gratitude to everyone who helped and stood by them—from friends and acquaintances to residents of distant Indonesia, where the tragedy occurred.
The letter specifically highlights the work of rescuers, volunteers, and especially divers, who, according to the families, “gave their lungs and wings,” sparing no effort in the search for the missing. The families stressed that the tragedy was personal, but it resonated in the hearts of thousands, and they thanked everyone for their sensitivity and respect for their grief.
The investigation continues
As Valencia bid farewell to the victims, the investigation into the disaster continues in Indonesia. Authorities are examining the actions of the captain and the ship’s mechanic, as eyewitnesses report that the vessel sank after being struck by a two-meter wave. At the moment of the wreck, Andrea and her seven-year-old daughter were on deck and managed to survive, along with the crew and the guide. The others were trapped inside the ship.
Indonesian authorities concluded the search operation on January 9 without finding Kike’s body. The families of the victims expressed gratitude to the residents of Labuan Bajo for their support and efforts during the search. In their statement, they used the Indonesian phrase ‘teri maksi’ (thank you), which became a symbol of international solidarity in the face of tragedy.
