Head of Public Relations of the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, said the investigation began on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
“The West Manggarai Police submitted a Notice of Commencement of Investigation to the West Manggarai District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday,” Chandra said on Thursday.
He said investigators will question witnesses, crew members, and the vessel’s operator, and conduct a thorough examination of the boat’s seaworthiness and compliance with maritime safety procedures.
Legal action will be taken against the tourist boat if negligence is proven, in accordance with applicable laws, he added.
On December 26, 2025, six Spanish tourists were involved in the sinking of the vessel off Padar Island. The victims were identified as Martin Carreras Fernando, a coach with Spain’s Valencia women’s football team B, his wife, and their four children.
As of the sixth day of the search operation, Martin Carreras Fernando and two of his children remained missing.
One child was found dead on December 29, while Fernando’s wife and another child were reported safe, along with four crew members, including the boat’s captain and a tour guide.
The sinking of KM Putri Sakinah adds to a series of tourist boat accidents in the waters around Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park.
From 2024 through the end of 2025, at least 15 tourist boat accidents were recorded in the area.
Most of the incidents occurred in waters off Padar Island, Komodo Island, and Rinca Island, primarily due to adverse weather conditions or technical problems with the vessels.
Preliminary findings indicate that the semi-phinisi tourist boat suffered engine failure while sailing from Kalong Island to Padar Island.
Unable to maneuver, the vessel was struck by high waves, eventually capsizing and sinking in the Padar Strait.
Weather and sea conditions at the time of the incident are believed to have worsened the situation and hampered self-rescue efforts by both crew and passengers.
Meanwhile, the joint search and rescue team continues intensive efforts to locate the three remaining missing victims.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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