A Spanish football coach and his three children tragically lost their lives when their tourist boat sank in rough seas off the coast of Indonesia, the club announced. The search continues for the bodies of Valencia women’s B team manager Fernando Martín and his three young children.
There were 11 passengers on board the boat when it sank in the Padar Island Strait near Indonesia’s popular tourist destination Labuan Bajo on Friday, December 26th. Enrique Ortuno, owner of El Coso del Mar restaurant in Valencia, confirmed today that Andrea, the hotel’s director and Fernando’s wife, and their seven-year-old daughter Mar were rescued.
“Unfortunately, only the mother and the girl survived,” he told a local newspaper in the eastern Spanish city.
The children have been identified as one girl and two boys: Elia, 12 years old; Kike, 10 years old. and Mateo, 9 years old.
Enrique’s son is on his way to Indonesia to support his sister and niece. The restaurant owner and his wife are reportedly taking care of their two young grandchildren, including a baby, who remained in Spain while the rest of the family traveled abroad.
In a brief interview with Valencian newspaper Las Provincias, he admitted he feared the worst, saying: “The bodies must be at the bottom of the sea and it will be difficult to retrieve them unless a miracle happens.”
Fernando, 44, was appointed coach of Valencia Women’s B team earlier this year.
In a statement posted on social media this afternoon, the club announced: “Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the loss of Valencia CF Women’s B team coach Fernando Martín and his three children in a tragic boating accident in Indonesia, as confirmed by local authorities.”
“The club would like to express its support and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Valencia CF, the Valencia CF Women’s Team and the VCF Academy at this difficult time for everyone.”
Real Madrid also expressed their condolences and said they were “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
“Real Madrid CF, the President and the Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn that Valencia CF Women’s B coach Fernando Martín and his three children have passed away in a tragic boating accident in Indonesia.”
“Real Madrid would like to express its horror and express its condolences and deep love to his wife Andrea and daughter Mar at this incredibly difficult time.
“Likewise, we send our condolences to his family and all his loved ones, as well as to the entire Valencian family. Fernando Martín passed away at the age of 44, along with his children, aged 12, 10 and 9. May they rest in peace.”
Four crew members and a tour guide were rescued, as were two surviving Spanish tourists, believed to be Martin’s wife and youngest daughter.
