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Indonesia Halts Komodo Tourist Sailings as Search for Three Spaniards Intensifies

Expanded search now uses sonar, thermal drones, extra divers after the recovery of a 12-year-old.

Overview

  • Authorities cite BMKG alerts of rough seas with waves near 2.5 meters and have paused tourist departures around Padar in the Komodo area.
  • Indonesian officials describe a rare sequence of three large waves that lifted, heeled and then sank the wooden tour boat, with an engine power loss also under review.
  • Rescuers have recovered the body of a 12-year-old girl, confirmed by the family and pending forensic identification at Komodo Regional Hospital.
  • Three people remain missing — Fernando Martín, coach of Valencia CF Femenino B, and two minors — while seven of the 11 aboard were rescued.
  • The family says the operation will continue three to six more days, resources have been boosted, a piece of the vessel has been found, the focus includes locating the wreck, and Spain’s embassy in Jakarta is providing consular support.