A tragic incident off the coast of Indonesia has left a Spanish football manager and his three young children missing and feared dead after their tourist boat succumbed to turbulent seas. Fernando Martin, who coaches Valencia’s Women’s B team, along with his children Elia, 12, Kike, 10, and Mateo, 9, are the focus of an urgent search operation.
The boat, transporting 11 passengers, sank in the Padar Island Strait near the renowned travel spot of Labuan Bajo. The sea’s fury claimed the vessel on Friday, prompting a swift rescue effort.
Among those who were rescued are four crew members, a tour guide, and two other Spanish tourists, whose identities have not been disclosed. The search continues for Martin and his children, with rescuers battling the clock and challenging conditions.
Enrique Ortuno, who manages El Coso del Mar restaurant in Valencia, has sadly confirmed the rescue of his daughter Andrea, Fernando’s wife, and their youngest child, Mar, aged seven. In a heartfelt statement to a local newspaper in Valencia, Ortuno expressed: “Unfortunately, only the mother and the little girl were saved.”
Enrique Ortuno, manager of a restaurant in Valencia called El Coso del Mar, confirmed his hotel director daughter, Fernando’s wife Andrea, and their seven-year-old girl Mar had been saved.
He told a local paper in the east coast Spanish city: ‘Unfortunately only the mother and the little girl were saved.’
The restaurant manager and his wife are said to be looking after another two younger grandchildren including a baby who stayed behind with them in Spain when the rest of their family headed abroad on holiday.
Admitting he feared the worst in a brief interview with Valencian newspaper Las Provincias, he said: ‘The bodies must be at the bottom of the sea and they’ll be difficult to recover unless there’s a miracle.’
Valencia Football Club paid tribute to the manager in a statement on social media this afternoon, in spite of conflicting reports rescue teams in Indonesia would restart the search for missing Fernando and his three children tomorrow.
Fernando Martin, 44, who trains Valencia’s Women’s B team, and his three children are feared dead after a tourist boat sank in rough seas off Indonesia
Fernando is seen holding a trophy with his son Mateo, who is also feared to have died
Rescue teams search for survivors after a tourist boat sank in rough seas off Indonesia
Rescue teams help survivors to shore after a boat carrying several people sank off the coast of Indonesia in extreme weather on Friday
The post said: ‘Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the death of Fernando Martin, coach of Valencia CF Women’s B team, and three of his children in a tragic boating accident in Indonesia, as confirmed by local authorities.
‘At this difficult time for everyone, the club would like to send our support and condolences to the families, friends and colleagues at Valencia CF, Valencia CF Women’s team and VCF Academy.’
Real Madrid also paid tribute to the manager. The Spanish football club said in a statement: ‘Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fernando Martín, Valencia C. F. Women’s B coach, and three of his children, in the tragic boat accident in Indonesia.
‘Real Madrid wishes to express its horror, and extends its condolences and deepest affection to his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, Mar, at this incredibly difficult time.
‘Likewise, we send our condolences to all of his family and loved ones, and the whole Valencia family.
‘Fernando Martín has passed away at 44 years of age, alongside his children, aged 12, 10 and 9. May they rest in peace.’
Fernando’s restaurant owner father-in-law had already admitted earlier in the day the chances of find them alive were very slim.
He previously told Spanish media: ‘My daughter and granddaughter were thrown from the boat because they were standing on higher ground.
Fernando (pictured) was appointed manager of Valencia Women’s B team at the start of this year
‘They fell into the sea and were rescued, but my three grandchildren and son-in-law were probably trapped on the boat, which broke apart and sank quickly.’
Mr Ortuno said: ‘This was the first major trip they’d undertaken together as a family.
‘They’re avid travellers and sports enthusiasts, but as they have young children, until now they had mainly travelled around Spain.’
Fernando was appointed manager of Valencia Women’s B team at the start of this year.
