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Indonesia Finds Body of Fernando Martín, Extends Search for Missing Boys

The mission now runs through January 7, with police examining potential crew or operator negligence.

Overview

  • Rescuers recovered and forensically identified the body of Fernando Martín, 44, on January 4 near Rinca, about 2 kilometers from the sinking site.
  • Authorities added three days to the operation to continue searching for the missing boys, Quique, 10, and Mateo, 9.
  • Basarnas has deployed 152 personnel, 17 vessels and side‑scan sonar across more than 60 nautical miles, with strong currents and bad weather slowing progress.
  • Labuan Bajo’s tourist port is closed to leisure craft through January 6 under BMKG advisories, suspending trips to Komodo, Padar and Rinca.
  • NTT police have interviewed 17 witnesses and opened an investigation into possible negligence, while a regional maritime expert challenges an engine‑failure account.