A Spanish football manager and his three young children have died after a tourist boat sank in rough seas off Indonesia, his club has now confirmed.
Rescuers are searching for the bodies of Fernando Martin, who trains Valencia’s Women’s B team, and his three children.
The vessel was carrying 11 people when it sank in the Padar Island Strait near the popular destination of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia.
Enrique Ortuno, manager of a restaurant in Valencia called El Coso del Mar, confirmed today that his hotel director daughter, Fernando’s wife Andrea, and their seven-year-old girl Mar had been saved.
He told a local paper in the east coast Spanish city: “Unfortunately only the mother and the little girl were saved.”
The children have been named as a girl and two boys – Elia, 12; Kike, 10; and Mateo, nine.
(Image: Instagram)
Today Enrique’s son was on his way to Indonesia to comfort his sister and niece.
The restaurant manager and his wife are said to be looking after another two younger grandchildren including a baby who stayed behind with them in Spain when the rest of their family headed abroad on holiday.
Admitting he feared the worst in a brief interview with Valencian newspaper Las Provincias, he said: “The bodies must be at the bottom of the sea and they’ll be difficult to recover unless there’s a miracle.”
Fernando, 44, was appointed manager of Valencia Women’s B team at the start of this year.
(Image: BASARNAS/AFP via Getty Images)
In a statement on social media this afternoon, the club said: “Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the death of Fernando Martin, coach of Valencia CF Women’s B team, and three of his children in a tragic boating accident in Indonesia, as confirmed by local authorities.
“At this difficult time for everyone, the club would like to send our support and condolences to the families, friends and colleagues at Valencia CF, Valencia CF Women’s team and VCF Academy.”
Real Madrid have also paid tribute to Martin saying they are “deeply saddened” by the news.
The statement read: “Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fernando Martín, Valencia C. F. Women’s B coach, and three of his children, in the tragic boat accident in Indonesia.
(Image: BASARNAS/AFP via Getty Images)
“Real Madrid wishes to express its horror, and extends its condolences and deepest affection to his wife, Andrea, and his daughter, Mar, at this incredibly difficult time.
“Likewise, we send our condolences to all of his family and loved ones, and the whole Valencia family. Fernando Martín has passed away at 44 years of age, alongside his children, aged 12, 10 and 9. May they rest in peace.”
Four crew members and a tour guide were rescued alongside the two Spanish tourists who survived, believed to be Martin’s his wife and youngest daughter.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.