Tragic Boat Accident Claims Lives of Coach and Children
In a heartbreaking incident, Spanish football coach Fernando Martin, 44, and three of his children tragically lost their lives in a boating accident in Indonesia on Boxing Day. The coach of Valencia’s Women’s B team was among 11 people aboard a vessel that sank near the stunning Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Martin and his children, Elia, 12, Kike, 10, and Mateo, 9, were confirmed dead, his wife and one daughter survived the disaster.
Community Mourns the Loss
The news of Martin’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the football community. Valencia CF expressed their deep sorrow in a statement, highlighting the tragic loss of their coach and his children. “Valencia CF is deeply saddened by the death of Fernando Martin and three of his children in a tragic boating accident in Indonesia,” the club stated. They extended their condolences to Martin’s family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the profound impact of this loss on the club and its community.
Real Madrid also joined in mourning, offering their condolences through social media. “Real Madrid CF, its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fernando Martin and three of his children,” the club wrote. They expressed their heartfelt sympathies to Martin’s wife, Andrea, and surviving daughter, Mar, during this incredibly difficult time. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) echoed these sentiments, stating, “The RFEF joins in the grief over the loss of Fernando Martin and three of his children in the shipwreck of a tourist boat in Indonesia.” They extended their sincere condolences to all affected by this tragedy.
Search Operations Continue
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, search operations are ongoing to recover the bodies of the victims. A rescue team recently discovered the body of a young girl, believed to be one of Martin’s daughters, approximately one kilometer from the accident site. The tragedy has not only shocked the local community but has also drawn attention to the safety of tourist activities in the region.
Born in Valencia, Martin had a notable career in football, primarily playing as a center-half in the Segunda Division B. He made 219 appearances for various clubs, including Benidorm CF and Alcoyano. In 2025, he took on the role of manager for Valencia’s Women’s B team, where he was well-regarded for his dedication and passion for the sport. The loss of Martin and his children is a profound tragedy that resonates deeply within the football community and beyond.
