LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — Indonesian search and rescue authorities have formally identified the body recovered from waters near Rinca Island as Fernando Martín Carreras, a coach with the Valencia CF women’s B team, bringing confirmation to days of uncertainty following the sinking of the tourist vessel Putri Sakinah in Komodo National Park.
The announcement was made Sunday by Basarnas after forensic examinations were completed by police doctors in coordination with RSUD Komodo. Carreras was 44 years old.
His body was found earlier that day floating in calm waters off Rinca Island, part of a protected marine area known for its strong currents and vast, open sea conditions.
Fernando Carreras had been traveling with his family when the traditional wooden vessel Putri Sakinah sank in the Padar Strait on December 26, 2025. The incident occurred within Komodo National Park, a popular destination for international travelers.
Speaking at the SAR operations post at Marina Harbor in Labuan Bajo, Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office and mission coordinator, said authorities could now confirm Carreras’ identity following a full identification process.
“Based on the identification conducted by the police and RSUD Labuan Bajo, we can confirm that the recovered body is indeed one of the victims of the Putri Sakinah sinking that occurred on December 26, 2025,” Fathur said.
He added that the victim was identified as Fernando Martín Carreras, male, aged 44.
Search Efforts Continue for Two Children
With the identification complete, joint SAR teams have resumed search operations for the remaining missing victims: Carreras’ two sons, aged 9 and 10. Search patterns are being adjusted based on the location where his body was found, as authorities continue to scan surrounding waters.
Earlier reports noted that when Carreras’ body was recovered, he was found without a shirt, wearing only red shorts. Family members later confirmed the clothing as belonging to him. The body was discovered floating face down on the surface of the sea.
The tragedy has already claimed multiple lives. On December 29, the couple’s 12-year-old daughter was found dead. Carreras’ wife and their youngest child, aged 7, survived the sinking.
As recovery efforts continue, the incident has cast a shadow over one of Indonesia’s most visited marine tourism zones, underscoring the risks that persist in remote waters despite calm surface conditions.
For now, authorities say the focus remains on locating the two missing children, even as the confirmation of Carreras’ death brings a measure of closure to one part of a tragedy that continues to unfold.
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