Valencia Coach, Fernando Martin, and 3 Children Pass Away in Horror Accident

Valencia have confirmed that one of their coaching staff and three of his children have tragically passed away after a tourist boat sank in Indonesia.

Fernando Martin and his family were on board the ferry when it was struck by 10-foot waves and suffered engine failure. 11 people were reportedly on board at the time when it sank in the Padar Island Strait in the Komodo National Park on Friday.

The Valencia coach and his three children, aged nine, 10 and 12, were declared missing following the incident, with their deaths confirmed since then. Seven people, including his wife Andrea and their seven-year-old daughter, were rescued, along with four of the boat’s crew and a tour guide.

Valencia Release Statement Following Martin’s Death

According to various reports, rescuers are still searching for the bodies of those who are still missing. Images released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) showed staff in boats examining the waters where debris believed to belong to the sunken tour boat was found.

Following the news, Valencia issued a statement to confirm the passing of their coach. They said: “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, as confirmed by local authorities.

“At this extremely difficult time, the Club would like to express its deepest condolences and full support to his family, friends and colleagues at Valencia CF, Valencia CF Femenino and the VCF Academy.”

Real Madrid also offered their sympathies to Valencia and Martin’s family following the coach’s death. The La Liga club wrote in a statement: “Real Madrid wishes to express its horror, and extends its condolences and deepest affection to his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, Mar, at this incredibly difficult time. Likewise, we send our condolences to all of his family and loved ones, and the whole Valencia family.”

As a result of the incident, authorities have closed Padar Island to tourists due to the extreme weather conditions currently being experienced. Fathur Rahman, the leader of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office, stated that survivors were treated at the port office in Labuan Bajo, as 8.2 feet waves and darkness limited the overnight efforts of emergency responders.

Per CBS News, he added: “Our teams have been combing the northern waters of Padar Island until dusk. We are determined to find the victims.”

The tragedy follows a separate incident near Thailand. A boat near the former, carrying 92 people, was hit by large waves and sank, with local press reporting that every tourist and five crew members were rescued.