Spanish football is in mourning following the tragic death of Fernando Martin, a coach with Valencia CF, and three of his children after a boat capsized in Indonesia, Spanish clubs and authorities have confirmed.
In a statement released on Saturday, said it was “deeply saddened by the passing of Fernando Martin, coach of Valencia CF Femenino B, and three of his children, in the tragic boat accident in Indonesia, as confirmed by local authorities.”
According to Indonesian and Spanish officials, Martin and three of his children were initially reported missing after the boat carrying 11 people sank during extreme weather conditions on Friday. The incident occurred in the Padar Island Strait near the coastal town of , a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to the Komodo National Park.
Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said rescue efforts were immediately launched after the vessel capsized. Fathur Rahman, the mission coordinator for the agency in the area, confirmed on Sunday that search operations had been ongoing since the incident.
“The search was continuing this morning,” Rahman told Reuters, as rescue teams worked against challenging weather and sea conditions.
Despite the efforts of rescuers, authorities later confirmed that Fernando Martin and three of his children had died in the accident. The news sent shockwaves through Spanish football, particularly within the Valencia CF community, where Martin was widely respected.
Martin, 44, was appointed coach of Valencia CF Femenino B earlier this year. Before transitioning into coaching, he had enjoyed a professional playing career in Spain’s second-tier football leagues, earning a reputation as a disciplined and committed footballer.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the football world. joined other clubs in expressing condolences to Martin’s family, friends, and colleagues, highlighting the sense of loss felt throughout Spanish football.
In a statement, Spanish clubs described Martin as a dedicated professional whose passion for the game extended beyond the pitch and into the development of young players, particularly within women’s football.
Indonesia’s search and rescue agency (SAR) confirmed that not all passengers on board the vessel were lost. Martin’s wife and one of his daughters survived the incident and were rescued along with four crew members and a tour guide. All survivors were reported to be safe and receiving appropriate care.
The boat was reportedly carrying tourists when it encountered rough seas and extreme weather, conditions that are believed to have contributed to the capsizing. Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident once rescue operations are formally concluded.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about maritime safety in tourist regions, particularly during periods of unstable weather. Indonesia, an archipelago nation with thousands of islands, relies heavily on boat transport for tourism and local travel, but accidents involving small vessels are not uncommon, especially in rough seas.
For Valencia CF, the loss is both personal and profound. The club described Martin as a valued member of its coaching staff and extended its deepest sympathies to the surviving members of his family.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans and players alike have taken to social media to honour the memory of Fernando Martin and his children, describing the tragedy as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility beyond football.
Follow Africa Live News for more breaking international stories:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africalivenews
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africalivenews
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africalivenews
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
