Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Indonesian authorities have officially concluded a 15-day search operation for the final victim of the KM Putri Sakinah shipwreck in the waters off Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.
The search was called off on Friday, January 9, after joint rescue teams spent over two weeks scouring the treacherous currents of the Padar Strait in East Nusa Tenggara.
"The operation is closed as of today," confirmed Fathur Rahman, Head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office.
"We have maximized our efforts—expanding the search area, deploying sonar technology, and utilizing specialized dive teams—but one victim remains unaccounted for."
The sinking, which occurred in late December 2025, made international headlines when it was revealed that Fernando Martin Carreras, a coach for the Valencia CF Women’s B Team, was among those on board.
During the intensive 15-day window, rescuers recovered three of the four missing passengers.
On December 29, a female Spanish citizen, identified as the coach's 12-year-old daughter, was found 900 meters from the site.
On January 4, the body of Fernando Martin Carreras was recovered approximately two kilometers from the sinking point.
Two days later, SAR team's divers retrieved the body of a 10-year-old boy, confirmed to be the coach’s son.
The final victim, identified as Martines Ortuno Enriquejavier, remains missing despite the team's "intensified" efforts over the last 72 hours.
While the active search has been terminated, Indonesian law allows for the case to be revisited.
"If there are new signs or findings regarding the victim in the future, the SAR operation can be reopened immediately," Rahman noted, offering his gratitude to the joint task force for their grueling humanitarian work in difficult sea conditions.
The KM Putri Sakinah, a semi-phinisi vessel popular with international tourists, reportedly suffered engine failure before being overwhelmed by high waves.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter maritime safety inspections in the Komodo National Park area.
