Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — In a significant escalation of the search operation for a missing Spanish football coach and his children, Indonesian police have deployed advanced underwater technology to scan the depths of Komodo National Park. The move comes as the fourth day of searching concluded with the recovery of a child’s body, leaving three individuals still unaccounted for.
The West Manggarai Police Chief, AKBP Christian Kadang, confirmed that specialist Water and Air Police units (Ditpolairud) have mobilised sophisticated equipment to aid the joint search and rescue (SAR) effort. The hardware includes an underwater drone (ROV), a sonar system capable of detecting metal objects within a 200-meter radius, seabobs, underwater scooters, and additional detection gear.
“Various sophisticated equipment such as underwater drones, sonar systems, seabobs, Bonex scooters, and several other additional tools have been deployed. This sonar can detect metal up to a radius of 200 meters,” stated Kadang on Monday.
A Multi-Pronged Search Operation
The technological push is part of a broader, resource-intensive operation. Police have committed three patrol vessels—a fast patrol craft and two rigid inflatable boats (RIBs)—to assist with surface sweeps of the search area. A total of 35 police personnel from local, regional, and national units are involved in the ongoing mission.
The police chief emphasised the commitment to the search, stating authorities are “present in every incident concerning public safety, including foreign tourists.” He added that the force is “synergising with existing SAR potential in the effort to search and rescue victims” of the KM Putri Sakinah sinking.
Challenging Conditions and an Expanded Search Zone
The high-tech assistance is crucial given the difficult marine environment. Authorities report that waves at the site are reaching one meter, accompanied by strong winds and powerful currents, complicating both surface and underwater operations.
In response to these conditions and the natural drift patterns, the joint SAR team has expanded the search area eastward from the primary incident site near Padar Island. “To this point, search efforts continue to be carried out intensively, by deploying maximum equipment and strength to find the victims and provide clarity for the family waiting with full hope,” Kadang said.
VIDEO: Under dark skies off Padar Island, joint Indonesian rescue teams continue searching for three people missing at sea. https://t.co/al5ppKTwYz#Komodo #PadarIsland #LabuanBajo #SearchAndRescue #Indonesia #BreakingNews #MaritimeSafety #RescueOperation #HeyBaliNews pic.twitter.com/PJAAe4Ekga
— Hey Bali (@Heybaliinfo) December 29, 2025
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