Published on
December 28, 2025
In a tragic incident off the coast of Labuan Bajo, eastern Indonesia, a tourist boat carrying Spanish nationals went down, leaving four people missing. The boat, a wooden phinisi named Putri Sakina, sank in the Padar Strait after being hit by waves as high as two metres, causing engine failure. The sinking happened near Padar Island, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park.
Fernando Martin Careras, head coach of the Valencia CF women’s football team, and his three children are among those who have gone missing. The incident has sparked widespread interest both domestically and internationally, particularly among the Spanish Embassy and rescue agencies, which have been collaborating to locate the missing passengers.
Search and Rescue Efforts Intensified
Following the boat’s sinking, Indonesian authorities, including the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), have led a coordinated search operation. The efforts are being managed in close collaboration with Spanish diplomats to ensure swift consular support and maximize search efforts. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, under the direction of Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has deployed senior officials to oversee the operations and ensure smooth communication between all agencies involved.
The search, which has been ongoing, focuses on the waters surrounding Padar Island, where the boat went down. The recovery of debris has been reported, offering some clues, but the search for the missing continues under challenging conditions, including rough seas and fluctuating weather.
Government Response and International Cooperation
In response to the incident, the Indonesian government has worked diligently to ensure the well-being of the rescued individuals and to coordinate the ongoing search operation. Seven people, including passengers and crew members, were rescued from the boat. These individuals have been reported as being in stable condition. However, the search for the four missing tourists continues, with daily evaluations of the situation based on weather conditions and the safety of personnel involved.
The Spanish authorities have expressed their gratitude for the swift action of Indonesian rescue teams. Both governments have emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to locate the missing individuals and provide the necessary assistance to the victims’ families.
Impact on Tourism and Safety Measures
In the wake of this tragic event, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has imposed a temporary suspension on tourist boat operations in Labuan Bajo and the nearby Komodo Islands. The ban, effective from December 26, 2025, through January 1, 2026, has been enforced to ensure the safety of both tourists and operators. The Ministry has made it clear that the suspension may be extended depending on the progress of the search and the results of safety evaluations.
This decision comes as part of Indonesia’s broader commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of tourists. The Ministry has stated that it will continue to work closely with the relevant agencies to review safety protocols and ensure that future tourism operations in the area are conducted under the highest safety standards.
Tourism Minister’s Response and Condolences
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana expressed her condolences to the families of those affected by the incident. She acknowledged the emotional toll on the victims’ loved ones and assured them that the Indonesian government remains committed to offering full support throughout the search and recovery efforts. In addition to ensuring coordination among various agencies, the Ministry has been overseeing the flow of information to keep the public informed of the developments.
The Ministry has also deployed officials from the Labuan Bajo Authority to work alongside Basarnas on the ground. These actions are part of a broader strategy to ensure that search operations are conducted efficiently and transparently.
Tourist Safety at the Forefront
Indonesia’s commitment to tourism safety has been further demonstrated by the ongoing coordination with the Spanish Embassy. Both sides are focused on ensuring that the incident is handled with the utmost sensitivity and transparency. The Indonesian government has reiterated its dedication to providing a safe environment for tourists, and the Ministry has promised to take swift action to address any concerns regarding safety protocols.
While the search continues, the suspension of boat tours in the region remains a crucial part of the ongoing safety measures. This action reflects the seriousness with which the government is addressing the situation and its commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Enhanced Safety Protocols
As search and rescue operations continue, it is clear that Indonesia’s tourism sector will need to review and strengthen its safety measures, particularly for maritime tourism in regions like Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands. The sinking of Putri Sakina has highlighted the need for more stringent safety protocols for tourist boats, which must be equipped to handle extreme weather conditions and rough seas.
Authorities have indicated that there will be ongoing assessments of the safety standards for tourist operations, especially in coastal and island regions. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is expected to introduce new measures to ensure the safety of all future maritime tourism activities.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability
The Indonesian government has stated that it will handle the situation with complete accountability and transparency. The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to collaborating with international partners to provide the best possible assistance to the families of missing tourists. As the search continues, Indonesia’s tourism sector will undoubtedly use this incident as an opportunity to re-evaluate its safety practices and ensure that future tourism operations are safe and secure.
While the loss of four lives is a devastating blow, rescue teams’ quick actions and ongoing cooperation between Indonesia and Spain serve as a reminder of the value of international solidarity in the face of disaster.
