LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — Authorities have formally opened a criminal investigation into the sinking of the KM Putri Sakinah, a tourist boat that capsized in the waters of Komodo National Park last week, resulting in four missing persons, including a Spanish football coach and his three children.
The investigation, announced by West Manggarai Police on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, will scrutinize the vessel’s seaworthiness, crew actions, and operator compliance with maritime safety procedures. The move signals a critical shift from search and rescue to a forensic probe of the tragedy that has drawn international attention.
“With the submission of the official Notice of Investigation Commencement to the West Manggarai District Prosecutor’s Office, the investigative phase is now formally underway,” stated Kombes Pol. Henry Novika Chandra, Head of Public Relations for the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police. He emphasized that investigators will question witnesses, crew members, and the vessel’s operators to determine if negligence or criminal acts contributed to the disaster.
“This step underscores the seriousness of the Indonesian National Police in upholding the law and providing legal certainty regarding this incident,” Henry said during a press briefing in Kupang on Friday. “We are committed to handling this maritime accident professionally, transparently, and accountably.”
The incident occurred on the evening of December 26, 2025. Preliminary findings indicate the semi-pinisi tourist vessel suffered a complete engine failure while navigating from Kalong Island to Padar Island. Left dead in the water and unable to maneuver, the boat was then struck by high waves, leading it to capsize and sink in the Padar Strait. Officials noted that severe weather and rough sea conditions at the time likely exacerbated the situation, hampering immediate self-rescue efforts by those on board.
Of the eleven people aboard, seven were successfully evacuated. One victim, a woman, was later recovered deceased. The four still missing are confirmed to be the coach of the Valencia CF women’s B-team and his three children. As of Friday, the multinational search effort for the remaining missing persons entered its eighth day, with sonar technology being deployed to scour the seabed.
The investigation aims to answer urgent questions about safety standards in one of Indonesia’s most famous—and at times treacherous—marine tourism destinations. The outcome will be closely watched by the global community, expatriates in Bali, and international travelers, all keen to understand the safeguards in place for maritime excursions in the archipelago.
