A family holiday in one of Indonesia’s most celebrated marine landscapes ended in devastating loss this week, as Fernando Martín Carreras, a coach with Valencia CF Women B, died alongside three of his children when a tourist boat sank near Komodo National Park.
The accident occurred late Friday night, December 26, in waters off Padar Island, part of the Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara. Local authorities confirmed that the wooden pinisi tour vessel, later identified as the Putri Sakinah, was carrying 11 people when it suffered mechanical failure shortly after departure. Within minutes, the boat was overwhelmed by rough seas and high swells, estimated at up to 1.5 meters, before capsizing and sinking.
Seven passengers survived. Four did not.
Among the victims were Mr. Carreras, 44, a respected figure within Valencia CF’s women’s development system, and three of his children: Martin Garcia Mateo, Martines Ortuno Maria Lia, and Martines Ortuno Enriquejavier. His wife and their seven-year-old daughter, Mar Martinez Ortuno, were rescued and remain under medical observation.
A Coach, a Father, a Life Cut Short
Carreras had been serving as head coach of Valencia CF Women B, competing in Spain’s third-tier women’s division. A former professional footballer, his playing career included stints with several Spanish clubs, including Cultural Leonesa and Cartagena, before transitioning into coaching.
News of his death sent shockwaves through the Spanish football community.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Valencia women's B team coach Fernando Martín and his 3 children aged 9, 10, and 12 have sadly been involved in a tragic accident.
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 27, 2025
Fernando was traveling with his family on a tourist boat that sank in the waters of Komodo National Park, east of Bali in… pic.twitter.com/AsMZYmfYwo
In a statement released on Saturday, Valencia CF described the incident as “an immense tragedy” for the club.
“Valencia CF deeply mourns the passing of Fernando Martín, coach of Valencia CF Women B, and his three children in a tragic maritime accident in Indonesia, as confirmed by local authorities,” the club said. “In this profoundly difficult moment, the club extends its heartfelt condolences and full support to their family, friends, and colleagues across Valencia CF, Valencia CF Women, and the VCF Academy.”
‘They Were Thrown Into the Sea’
Family members have begun to share harrowing details of the moments surrounding the sinking. Speaking to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Enrique Ortuno, Carreras’ father-in-law, said his daughter and granddaughter survived only because of where they were positioned on the boat.
“My daughter and my granddaughter were thrown from the boat because they were on a higher part,” he said. “They fell into the sea and were rescued. My three grandchildren and my son-in-law were likely trapped inside when the boat broke apart and sank very quickly.”
Search and rescue teams recovered debris from the vessel over the weekend, but authorities have confirmed that all four missing passengers were later declared deceased.
Weather Warnings and a Temporary Closure
The sinking occurred amid deteriorating weather conditions across eastern Indonesia, with strong winds, heavy rain, and unstable sea conditions affecting maritime travel throughout the region.
In response to the accident, the Labuan Bajo Port Authority (KSOP Class III) announced a temporary suspension of tourist boat traffic to both Padar Island and Komodo Island. The decision was made following consultations with Indonesia’s meteorology agency, BMKG, and maritime safety officials.
“At certain times, high swell waves with short periods can occur,” said KSOP chief Stephanus Risdiyanto. “After coordination with all relevant agencies and BMKG, we issued a Notice to Mariners last night to temporarily close routes to Komodo and Padar.”
The closure, he added, was also intended to ensure that search, recovery, and evacuation efforts could proceed safely without additional maritime traffic.
A Sobering Reminder
For Indonesia’s tourism sector — and particularly for visitors drawn to Komodo National Park’s remote beauty — the tragedy underscores the unpredictable risks of sea travel during extreme weather seasons.
For Bali-based travelers and expats planning excursions beyond the island, the incident has prompted renewed calls to closely monitor official weather advisories and maritime safety notices, even during peak holiday periods.
What began as a family journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic destinations has ended in mourning across two continents — a reminder that nature, even in its most breathtaking settings, demands respect and caution.
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