Rescuers recover another victim as search intensifies near Labuan Bajo waters
A family holiday in one of Indonesia’s most celebrated marine destinations turned tragic after a tourist boat capsized in rough seas, triggering a multi-week search operation that drew international attention.
Boat Found After Nearly Two Weeks
Indonesian search and rescue teams located the wreckage of a tourist boat on Jan 6, nearly two weeks after it sank in rough seas on Dec 26, 2025. The vessel was found in the Padar Island Strait, around 14 kilometers or roughly 8 miles from the initial accident site near Labuan Bajo, a major gateway to Komodo National Park. The discovery marked a critical breakthrough in the ongoing rescue mission.
Spanish Family Among the Victims
The boat was carrying several passengers, including a Spanish family on holiday in the Komodo National Park area. Seven people were rescued alive shortly after the incident, but four others were declared missing, including 44-year-old Fernando Martin Carreras, a football coach, and three of his children. Carreras, who coached Valencia CF’s women’s B team, and one of his daughters were found earlier during the search, according to BBC News reports.
Third Body Recovered Following Fisherman’s Tip
Fathur Rahman, head of the local search and rescue agency, confirmed that a third body was recovered after a fisherman reported seeing both a body and the boat’s hull. The victim was transported to a local hospital for formal identification. Rahman said the information provided by local fishermen proved crucial in narrowing the search area and ultimately locating the wreckage.
Search Efforts Intensified Across Islands
Rescue teams conducted extensive operations involving sonar scans, underwater dives, and coordinated sweeps across nearby islands. The search area was expanded to double from its initial radius, covering waters around Padar Island and smaller surrounding islands such as Serai, Pengah, Papagarang, Siaba Besar, and northern Kanawa Island. Authorities confirmed that efforts would continue to locate the last missing victim, a young boy from the same family.
Survivors and Ongoing Investigation
Carreras’ wife and another daughter were among those rescued alive following the sinking. Officials stated that the family was on a leisure trip exploring the Komodo National Park region, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, diving spots, and endangered Komodo dragon. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, with rough seas cited as a contributing factor by authorities.
Maritime Safety Concerns in Indonesia
Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on boats for transport, particularly in tourist regions. However, maritime accidents remain common due to unpredictable weather, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of safety standards. The latest incident has once again raised concerns about passenger safety, especially as international tourism continues to rebound.
The tragic sinking near Komodo National Park underscores the risks that persist in Indonesia’s maritime tourism sector, even in world-renowned destinations. As search teams press on and investigations continue, the incident serves as a sobering reminder for both Indonesians and Singaporeans of the urgent need for stronger safety oversight to protect lives in regional waters.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , CBS News (2026)
Keywords: Indonesia Boat Accident, Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo, Maritime Safety Indonesia, Tourist Boat Sinking
