JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian rescue teams are conducting an intensive search operation for a family of four Spanish nationals after their tour vessel capsized near Padar Island within the renowned Komodo National Park. The incident occurred Friday evening when the boat experienced mechanical failure during transit from Komodo Island.
According to Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Office, the vessel was carrying eleven individuals: six Spanish tourists, four crew members, and one local guide. Initial rescue efforts successfully recovered seven persons—three rescued by a passing ship and four others located by search teams. The missing individuals constitute a complete family unit: husband, wife, and their two children.
Emergency response faced significant challenges overnight due to adverse maritime conditions, including powerful waves reaching 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and limited visibility. Survivors received immediate medical attention at the port office in Labuan Bajo city.
As weather conditions improved Saturday morning, rescue operations expanded with multiple rigid inflatable boats, a dedicated rescue ship, and assistance from local fishing communities. The National Search and Rescue Agency released video footage documenting the complex operation in turbulent waters.
Komodo National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts thousands of international visitors annually for its exceptional biodiversity, including the endangered Komodo dragon, and its world-class diving and trekking opportunities. This incident highlights ongoing transportation safety concerns in the Indonesian archipelago, which comprises over 17,000 islands where maritime travel is essential but sometimes compromised by insufficient safety regulations and vessel overcrowding.