SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The extensive search operation for victims of the KM Putri Sakinah shipwreck, wich occurred off the coast of Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has officially concluded. Sadly, the body of one individual, a young son of Valencia CF coach Martin Carreras Fernando, remains missing as of January 9, 2026.
According to data released on Friday,January 9,2026,Fathur Rahman,the Head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Agency and the SAR Mission Coordinator,confirmed the cessation of search efforts at 12:00 Wita. The decision to end the operation was formally made by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
“Our teams returned from the search area around noon,” stated Fathur.
The Tragic Incident and Search Efforts
The devastating incident unfolded on the evening of December 26, 2025, in the waters of Padar Island, within Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo. Fernando and his three children were aboard the KM Putri Sakinah when it sank. Tragically, the search and recovery operation has so far yielded the remains of three victims: Fernando himself, his 12-year-old daughter, and a 10-year-old son.
The recovery of Fernando’s body took place on January 4th, while his daughter was found on December 29, 2025. Both were discovered floating in the waters near Rinca Island and Serai Island.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the body of another of Fernando’s sons was located within the wreckage of the pinisi boat. The vessel had run aground on Pede Beach, Komodo Island, approximately 14 kilometers from the site of the sinking. Fortunately, Fernando’s wife and youngest child survived the ordeal, which occurred shortly after Christmas.
Did you know? Maritime accidents in the Indonesian archipelago are, sadly, not uncommon, often linked to weather conditions, vessel maintenance, and overloading. Recent data from the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) indicates a 15% increase in maritime incidents in 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the ongoing need for improved safety regulations and enforcement.
Here’s a swift summary of the key facts:
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