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Search Off Komodo Extended After Wreck Found, One Child Still Missing

Harsh seafloor topography and strong currents are complicating efforts to locate the last missing child.

Overview

  • Family sources confirmed the body recovered Tuesday is nine-year-old Mateo, leaving 10-year-old Quique as the only person still unaccounted for.
  • Fishermen led authorities to the KM Putri Sakinah’s hull about 7.48 nautical miles from the sinking site, where a body was found next to the wreck and taken to Labuan Bajo for identification.
  • Indonesian authorities have prolonged the operation at least another day after Wednesday, with 168 personnel, 18 vessels, multibeam and side-scan sonar, ROVs, drones and divers deployed.
  • Search teams report sonar is reliable to roughly 150 meters while nearby depths exceed 200 meters and strong, variable currents create detection “shadow zones,” with recent rain further hampering work.
  • The remains of father Fernando Martín and 12-year-old Lía were recovered earlier and cremated in Bali, as police continue investigating potential causes of the sinking, including possible crew negligence.