RESCUERS have found the body of a football coach who died with his three children after a tourist boat sank in rough seas.
Fernando Martin – who coached Valencia CF’s Women’s B team – and his family were on board the ferry when it was struck by 10ft waves off the coast of Indonesia.
The dad and three of his children, aged nine, 10 and 12, were declared missing – and Valencia CF later confirmed they had died.
Fathur Rahman, head of the local search and rescue agency, said a body was found today floating in waters near Rinca island, around 1.2miles from the site of the accident on Dec 26th.
He confirmed that the victim was identified as Martin.
Martin’s wife and one of their daughters were among seven people rescued after the vessel went down in the Padar Island Strait, near the popular destination of Labuan Bajo.
Four crew members and a tour guide were also rescued.
Authorities found the body of another daughter on Monday. Two more children remain missing.
“Rescuers continue their search, aided by divers and sonar systems,” said Rahman.
Authorities said they will continue their search until Wednesday for the two missing boys.
Local police have launched an investigation into the sinking, state news agency Antara reported on Thursday, with a police spokesman saying legal action would be taken if authorities can find evidence of negligence.
Maritime accidents occur regularly in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of around 17,000 islands, often due to lax safety standards or bad weather.
Valencia Football Club paid tribute to the manager in a statement on social media, saying: “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 also paid tribute to the manager.
The Spanish football club said: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fernando Martín, Valencia CF Women’s B coach, and three of his children, in the tragic boat accident in Indonesia.
“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.”
It comes just days after another tourist boat packed with holidaymakers sank off the coast of a British holiday hotspot.
Footage showed the half-submerged ferry listing as a rescue boat rushed to evacuate passengers and crew.
The boat was carrying 92 holidaymakers near Thailand when it was struck by large waves – causing it to sink.
The impact reportedly fractured the hull, sending water rushing into the boat.
Meanwhile, terrifying footage emerged showing a tourist ferry filling with water, sending Brits scrambling to safety.
The boat was packed with 120 tourists when it reportedly struck a rock and capsized on its way to the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos.
And a day trip catamaran sank in the Caribbean – leaving dozens of cruise passengers floundering in the sea.