The football community is in mourning following the death of Fernando Martin, coach of Valencia CF Femenino B, and three of his children in a boat accident in Indonesia. The tragic event occurred on Friday, December 27, 2025, near Padar Island, a popular tourist destination within Komodo National Park.
The boat, carrying 11 people including the family of six, four crew members, and a local guide, reportedly capsized due to severe weather conditions and engine failure. Waves as high as 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) were reported in the area. According to local reports, the boat encountered mechanical failure and capsized around 8:30 p.m. local time.
Spanish and Indonesian authorities confirmed that Martin, 44, and three of his children died in the incident. His wife, Andrea, and one daughter miraculously survived and were rescued. Also rescued were the four crew members and the tour guide. They were taken to Labuan Bajo for medical treatment and are reported to be safe.
Fathur Rahman, the mission coordinator for Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, stated that the search operations continued on Sunday morning. A joint SAR team found debris and gas cylinders from the boat.
Enrique Ortúño, Martin's father-in-law, told Spanish news agency EFE that his daughter and granddaughter were thrown from the boat, which allowed them to be rescued, while Martin and his three grandchildren were trapped inside as the vessel broke apart and sank rapidly.
Valencia CF released an official statement expressing their deep sorrow. "Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the tragic boat accident in Indonesia, which claimed the lives of Fernando Martín, the coach of our women's B team this season, and his three children," the club stated. Real Madrid CF also extended condolences to Valencia CF and Martín's family.
Martin had a career as a player for several clubs in the Valencia region and later transitioned into coaching. He had been appointed coach of Valencia's Women's B team this year. According to reports, Martin's children were aged 12, 10, and 9. The names of the children who are missing are Martin Carreras Fernando, Martin Garcia Mateo, Martines Ortuno Maria Lia, and Martinez Ortuno Enriquejavier.
