KBRN, Labuan Bajo: A search and rescue operation is underway in the waters of Padar Island, East Nusa Tenggara, after a tourist boat carrying 11 people capsized and sank on Friday night. Authorities confirmed that four Spanish nationals, believed to be members of the same family, remain missing and are feared to be trapped inside the vessel's cabin.

The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, at approximately 9.00 p.m. local time, when the traditional wooden vessel KM Putri Sakinah encountered engine failure and was struck by waves exceeding two meters in height.

Out of the 11 people on board, seven have been successfully rescued. The survivors include two Spanish tourists, four crew members, and one local tour guide. 

While some were rescued by the joint SAR team, three others were picked up by a passing vessel, the KM Neptune.

The focus of the operation has now shifted to locating the remaining four Spaniards: Martin Carreras Fernando, Martin Garcia Mateo, Martines Ortuno Maria Lia, and Martinez Ortuno Enriquejavier.

"Based on information from the crew, the four victims were inside the ship's cabin when it sank," said Yudha Pradana Kusuma, a rescuer from the West Manggarai SAR Post,

"Our team is focusing on the last seen point of the vessel to determine if diving operations are feasible to search the wreckage underwater,” as quoted by Antara.

The search has faced significant hurdles, including high swells and extremely limited visibility at night. Stephanus Risdiyanto, Head of the Labuan Bajo Class III KSOP, noted that the disaster was likely caused by a sudden wave anomaly.

In response to the tragedy and ongoing weather risks, authorities have taken several decisive actions to manage the crisis. The Labuan Bajo KSOP has temporarily closed all shipping routes to Padar Island and Komodo Island to prevent further accidents. 

To expedite the search, a massive deployment of over 40 personnel and seven primary vessels from Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), the Navy, and Polairud (Water and Air Police) has been sent to the site. Additionally, specialist support is being provided by divers from the Komodo Professional Divers Association (P3KOM), who remain on standby to assist with the underwater search of the wreckage.

The victims were reportedly part of a single-family group enjoying the scenic islands of the Komodo National Park. The two surviving Spanish nationals, Martines Ortuno Mar Amanda and Martines Ortuno Marialia, have been evacuated to Labuan Bajo for medical and psychological support.

“This step is a direct implementation of our commitment to safety. National Police (Polri) and the SAR team are present to ensure maximum protection and effort in finding the victims,” stated a representative from the Ministry of Transportation, expressing deep condolences over the incident. ***