Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — As the search for victims of the Komodo ferry disaster entered its fifth day, the grieving family of missing Valencia CF coach Fernando Martín Carreras issued a poignant public message, confirming the death of one child while pleading for continued efforts to find their remaining loved ones and for privacy in their “indescribable grief.”
The statement, delivered by family representative Alvaro Ortunoripoll—the brother of Fernando’s wife, Mar—followed the recovery of a young girl’s body from the waters near Serai Island on Monday. The child was one of the three siblings who had been missing alongside their father after the Pinisi Putri Sakinah sank on Friday night.
“With heavy hearts we confirm the death of one of the three missing children, whose body has been found during the search efforts,” Alvaro stated in a written message received on Tuesday.
A Family’s Request for Prayers and Privacy
In the emotionally charged statement, the family, who have travelled from Spain to be in Labuan Bajo, extended two heartfelt requests to the public and media.
“We ask for your prayers for them all and, if possible, ask that their identities be kept confidential,” Alvaro said. “In these moments of indescribable grief, we ask you to respect our family’s privacy.”
The plea for discretion underscores the profound personal tragedy unfolding amidst the intense public and media scrutiny of the search operation.
A Vow to Stay Until All Are Found
The family expressed deep gratitude for the support received from communities in both Spain and Indonesia. Most significantly, they vowed not to return home without their missing family members, demonstrating a resolute commitment to seeing the search through to its conclusion.
“We are grateful for all the support we have received, both in Spain and Indonesia, and we believe the search will continue,” Alvaro affirmed. “We will not return to Spain without the four of them, together.”
The Ongoing Search and Wider Context
The statement comes as the joint search and rescue (SAR) operation, now bolstered by underwater drones and sonar technology, continues its challenging task. The focus remains on finding Fernando Martín Carreras and his two sons in the waters of Komodo National Park, where strong currents and deep channels have hampered efforts.
The family’s public appeal adds a deeply human dimension to the ongoing crisis. It transforms the narrative from one of operational updates and technical challenges to a story of unwavering familial love and a desperate hope for closure. Their dignified request for prayers and privacy serves as a sobering reminder of the profound personal loss at the heart of this disaster, as the search for answers in the Flores Sea continues.
