East Nusa Tenggara Police spokesman Henry Novika Chandra said identification was made through personal effects and forensic comparison.
“The identification was confirmed through belongings including a ring and wristwatch, and matched ante-mortem and post-mortem data such as gender, height, and distinctive tattoos,” Chandra said.
Family members in Labuan Bajo verified the findings after forensic specialists compared examinations with information provided by relatives and the Spanish embassy.
“The Disaster Victim Identification team followed Interpol protocols, carefully weighing scientific and humanitarian considerations, although fingerprints could not be fully used because of the body’s condition,” Chandra added.
The remains were taken to a Labuan Bajo medical facility while authorities coordinate repatriation arrangements with the family and diplomatic representatives.
The wooden pinisi motor vessel KM Putri Sakinah sank last week in the Padar Island Strait during a leisure trip from Labuan Bajo.
Officials said the boat carried 11 people: six Spanish tourists, one local guide, and four crew members.
Seven passengers were rescued shortly after the accident, while four were reported missing.
On the 10th day of operations, joint search-and-rescue teams found Carreras after sweeping nearby islands using sonar equipment and dive teams.
“The discovery marked the second recovery from the wreck, following the earlier finding of a 12-year-old child,” mission coordinator Fathur Rahman said.
Authorities said weather and sea conditions complicated the search, but crews maintained daily patrols and coordinated air and sea assets across the Komodo National Park area. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the sinking.
The sinking adds to a growing list of tourist boat accidents in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park waters.
At least 15 incidents were recorded between 2024 and the end of 2025, mostly near Padar, Komodo, and Rinca islands, caused by bad weather or technical problems.
Notable cases included the sinking of Raja Bintang 02 in March 2025, Phinisi Budi Utama in June 2024, an accident on the Labuan Bajo–Padar Island route in August 2024, and the Dewi Anjani in December 2025.
Preliminary findings show KM Putri Sakinah lost engine power while sailing from Kalong Island to Padar Island. Unable to maneuver, the vessel was struck by high waves, capsized, and sank.
“Rough weather and heavy seas at the time worsened conditions, hampering self-rescue efforts by crew and passengers,” officials said.
Translator: Kornelis K, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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