ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The sinking of a tourist phinisi boat in the waters of Padar Strait, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has once again raised serious concerns over maritime safety in one of Indonesia’s premier tourism destinations.
Four Spanish tourists remain missing, prompting the Indonesian government to suspend tourist boat operations across the Komodo area.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism expressed deep condolences following the accident involving the Putri Sakina phinisi vessel, which sank on Friday, December 26, 2025. The boat was reportedly struck by waves reaching up to two meters high, causing engine failure in the middle of the Padar Strait.
Seven passengers and crew members were successfully rescued. However, four Spanish nationals — Fernando Martin Careras, a women’s football coach at Valencia CF, along with his three children — remain unaccounted for and are suspected to have been trapped inside the vessel’s cabins.
Government Launches Emergency Response and Diplomatic Coordination
Immediately after receiving the initial report, the Ministry of Tourism activated an emergency response and coordinated closely with the Ministry of Transportation, Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority, port authorities, local government, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Jakarta.
“We have deployed senior ministry officials and representatives from the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority to directly monitor and coordinate the search and rescue operation on site,” said Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana on December 28, 2025.
The Indonesian government has also formally conveyed its condolences and empathy to the Spanish government.
According to official diplomatic communication, Spain expressed appreciation for the swift and professional response of Indonesian rescue teams.
“Our shared priority is to maximize efforts to locate the four missing victims,” Minister Widiyanti emphasized.
Crisis Management Team Deployed to Assist Victims’ Families
As part of crisis management measures, the Minister assigned the Ministry’s Crisis Management Advisor, the Head of the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority, and the Director of Bali Tourism Polytechnic to provide direct assistance to the victims’ families. All support is being carried out with the consent of the families and in close coordination with the Spanish Embassy.
The move underscores Indonesia’s commitment to a humanitarian and transparent response, particularly in incidents involving international tourists.
Tourist Boat Operations Suspended Until January 1, 2026
In accordance with standard operating procedures, search and rescue operations will continue for seven days, with regular evaluations based on weather conditions and the safety of rescue personnel.
As a preventive measure, port authorities under the Ministry of Transportation have imposed a temporary suspension of tourist boat operations in Labuan Bajo and the Komodo National Park waters, effective from December 26, 2025 until January 1, 2026, or until further notice.
The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing tourist safety, strengthening maritime tourism oversight, and ensuring that the handling of this incident remains transparent, accountable, and human-centered. (AT Network)
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