Spokesperson for the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra said the request was conveyed through the West Manggarai Police Chief following an evaluation with the Maumere Search and Rescue (SAR) Office.
“Based on preliminary information from the Head of the Maumere SAR Office, Fathur Rahman, the operation will be extended by two days, from January 8 to 9,” Chandra said on Wednesday.
He added that search teams will sweep several locations near the site of the sinking.
The extension follows a formal request from the Spanish Embassy, Chandra emphasized.
As of Wednesday, the joint SAR team had been searching for 13 days and recovered three of the four missing victims.
The victims identified include a 12-year-old girl, Valencia FC B women’s soccer team coach Martin Carreras Fernando, and a 10-year-old boy.
The continued search on Thursday and Friday is expected to help locate the final missing passenger.
The accident occurred on December 26, 2025, when six Spanish tourists were aboard the semi-phinisi tourist vessel off Padar Island.
Fernando, his wife, and their four children were among those on board.
His wife and one child survived, along with four Indonesian crew members, including the captain and a tour guide.
Preliminary findings suggest the vessel suffered engine failure while sailing from Kalong Island to Padar Island.
Unable to maneuver, it was struck by high waves and capsized in the Padar Strait.
Adverse weather and sea conditions are believed to have worsened the situation and hindered rescue efforts.
Indonesian police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, focusing on the vessel’s seaworthiness and safety procedures.
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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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