Jakarta, Indonesia — The global football community has been shaken by a tragic accident that claimed the life of Fernando Martín, coach of Valencia CF Femenino B, along with three of his children following a boating accident in Indonesian waters. Spanish club Valencia CF confirmed the heartbreaking news on Sunday, December 28, 2025, after local authorities corroborated that Martín and his children died when their vessel capsized near Padar Island in Komodo National Park.
Accident Details
The tragedy occurred late Friday night on December 26, 2025, while Martín and his family were aboard a tourist boat traveling from Komodo Island to Padar Island, a popular destination within the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park, famed for its dramatic scenery and wildlife. The boat — carrying 11 people in total — encountered extreme weather and rough seas, causing it to capsize and sink in the Padar Island Strait near Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores.
Local rescue officials reported that the vessel suffered a mechanical failure before being struck by high waves. Seven people were rescued from the water by passing boats and rescue teams, including Martín’s wife, Andrea, and one of their daughters, 7-year-old Mar. Unfortunately, Martín and his three other children — aged 12, 10 and 9 — could not be saved and were later confirmed dead.
Official Confirmation and Club Response
Valencia CF issued a deeply sorrowful statement confirming the loss and expressing full support for Martín’s family, friends, teammates and the club community. The statement described the accident as a “tragic boating accident in Indonesia” and emphasised the profound grief felt throughout the club.
Several other prominent football organisations have also paid tribute. Real Madrid CF, in an official message, expressed its horror and extended heartfelt condolences to Martín’s wife and surviving daughter, acknowledging the immense loss to both his immediate family and the wider football family. Valencia
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) echoed these sentiments, issuing condolences and honouring Martín’s contribution to Spanish football, particularly within the women’s game. Valencia
Who Was Fernando Martín?
Fernando Martín, 44 years old, was an experienced coach who had worked within Valencia’s women’s football structure for over a decade. At the time of his death, he was in charge of the Valencia CF Femenino B team, a role that involved nurturing young talent and preparing players for progression into the club’s senior women’s squad.
Martín’s death represents not just a personal tragedy for his family but also a significant loss for the Valencia football community and the broader Spanish women’s football movement, where he was widely respected for his dedication and leadership.
Rescue Operation and Search Efforts
Indonesian authorities, including the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), coordinated the response to the vessel’s sinking, deploying rescue ships, inflatable boats and local search teams. Despite challenging conditions, including poor visibility and adverse weather, rescuers worked through the night to locate survivors and recover victims.
The operation initially searched for four missing Spanish family members, including Martín, his three children and the possibility of others. However, the authorities have since confirmed that Martín and his children were among those who perished.
Safety Concerns in Indonesian Waters
Indonesia’s vast archipelago — with more than 17,000 islands — relies heavily on small vessels for both local transportation and tourism. While boat travel is common and typically safe, the region’s maritime safety standards have previously drawn scrutiny due to occasional overcrowding and rapidly changing weather conditions. Experts say that sudden high waves and mechanical failures are among the frequent hazards faced by small vessels operating in tourist areas like Komodo National Park.
Community and Global Reaction
The news has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media and football forums, with fans, fellow coaches, and players expressing shock at the devastating loss. Messages of sympathy have spread from Spain to Indonesia and beyond, reflecting the deep emotional impact of the tragedy on supporters of the sport.
Numerous football clubs and organisations are expected to hold moments of silence or tributes in the coming matches in Martín’s memory, recognising his influence and work within the game.
A Personal Tragedy with Far-Reaching Impact
Beyond the professional community, the personal nature of the event — involving a coach and his young children on what was meant to be a family holiday — has resonated widely, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the vulnerability of those involved in maritime accidents. The survival of Martín’s wife and his youngest daughter offers a bittersweet note amid the immense grief, as they remain under care and support following the ordeal.
As investigations continue and further details emerge, the loss of Fernando Martín and his children will remain a solemn reminder of the fragility of life, the unexpected dangers of travel, and the deep human connections that bind the global football community together in times of sorrow.
