- Valencia CF coach Fernando Martín confirmed dead.
- Three of his children also died in the boat accident.
- Boat capsized near Padar Island, Indonesia.
- Wife, one child, and others rescued alive.
Spanish football club Valencia CF has confirmed the death of Fernando Martín, a coach with its women’s reserve team, alongside three of his children, after a tragic boating accident in Indonesia.
The club announced the loss in an emotional statement on Saturday, saying local authorities had verified the deaths.
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“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Fernando Martín, coach of Valencia CF Femenino B, and three of his children in a tragic boating accident in Indonesia,” the club said.
The accident occurred on Friday in the Padar Island Strait near Labuan Bajo, a well-known tourist area. Indonesian authorities said the boat, carrying 11 people, capsized amid extreme weather conditions.
Search and rescue officials reported that Martín and his children were initially declared missing after the vessel sank. Recovery operations continued through the night as rough sea conditions hampered efforts.
Fathur Rahman, a mission coordinator with Indonesia’s local search and rescue agency, confirmed that teams remained at the scene.
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“Search operations are ongoing, and conditions remain challenging due to the weather,” he told Reuters on Sunday.
Authorities confirmed that Martín’s wife and one of his daughters survived, alongside four crew members and a tour guide, all of whom were rescued and are currently safe.
Fernando Martín, 44, was a former Spanish second-division footballer and was appointed coach of Valencia CF Femenino B earlier this year. His death has sent shockwaves through the Spanish football community.
Real Madrid CF also issued a condolence message, joining clubs and fans across Spain in mourning the sudden loss.
Valencia CF said it would continue to support the family during the difficult period.
“At this extremely painful time, the Club extends its deepest condolences and full support to his family, friends, and colleagues,” the statement added.
