LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — The body of the third victim recovered from the sinking of the tourist vessel KM Putri Sakinah—a 10-year-old boy—was flown from Labuan Bajo to Bali on Tuesday, January 7, before being cremated later that evening, according to a representative of the victim’s family.
The child’s remains departed Komodo Airport at 1:40 p.m. local time aboard a Batik Air flight bound for Bali. Upon arrival, the family proceeded directly with cremation arrangements, which were carried out the same night.
A family representative confirmed the decision, explaining the logistical limitations in Labuan Bajo.
“The child’s mother left for Bali earlier today for the cremation process that would be carried out that night,” the representative said.
Authorities in Labuan Bajo face practical constraints in handling fatalities of this scale. The town has only two functioning mortuary refrigeration units and no cremation facilities, making long-term preservation and ceremonial rites difficult. These limitations prompted the family to transfer the body to Bali, where both infrastructure and cultural facilities were available to proceed without delay.
The boy was the third victim confirmed deceased following the December 26, 2025, sinking of the Putri Sakinah in the waters of the Padar Strait, within Komodo National Park. Earlier recoveries included the children’s father, a Spanish football coach, and a younger sibling.
Search Enters Day 14 for Final Missing Child
As the cremation took place in Bali, search and rescue teams in East Nusa Tenggara continued operations for the fourth and final victim, a 9-year-old boy who remains missing.
On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, the operation entered Day 14, with teams persisting despite increasingly challenging sea conditions. Authorities have stated that efforts remain focused on underwater search patterns around the wreck site, as well as surface monitoring guided by current and drift analysis.
The prolonged operation has involved national SAR units, local fishermen, and specialized maritime equipment. Officials have not announced a final deadline, indicating that assessments are made daily based on weather, safety, and operational feasibility.
For the family, the cremation marked a solemn milestone—closure for one child, while hope remains suspended over the fate of another.
As recovery efforts continue, the tragedy of the Putri Sakinah has underscored both the unforgiving nature of the Komodo waters and the emotional toll borne by families navigating loss across borders, cultures, and constrained local infrastructure.
