Rescue teams intensified the search on the fourth day for four missing passengers, including Valencia women's soccer coach Martin Carreras Fernando and his two children, from the December 26 sinking of tourist boat KM Putri Sakinah off Labuan Bajo. Using underwater drones, sonar, and other equipment, they recovered one body amid challenging sea conditions. The government has urged agencies to accelerate efforts.
The KM Putri Sakinah sank in Selat Padar near Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on the evening of December 26, 2025, due to high waves, carrying 11 passengers. Seven survived and were evacuated, leaving four missing, including Spanish national and Valencia women's soccer coach Martin Carreras Fernando and his two children.
Earlier searches on days 1-2 located boat debris, including hull fragments, deck parts, and a gas cylinder, despite two-meter waves, strong currents, and rain halting operations temporarily. The joint SAR entered its fourth day on December 29, 2025, until 5:00 PM WITA, with teams recovering one body believed to be a victim.
West Manggarai Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang reported 35 police personnel involved: 8 from local water police, 21 from NTT provincial water police, and 6 from national water police, supported by three patrol vessels (Fast Patrol Boat XXII 2007 and two Rigid Inflatable Boats).
Advanced tools deployed include underwater drones, sonar detecting metal up to 200 meters, seabobs, and bonex scooters. Searches covered sea surface visually and expanded seabed scanning eastward. Conditions remained difficult with one-meter waves, strong winds, and swift currents, per BMKG and observations.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the government is monitoring and has directed TNI, police, and Ministry of Transportation to hasten the response. Labuan Bajo SAR Post Coordinator Edy Suryono recalled initial three-hour searches hampered by two-meter waves obscuring the hull.
