Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — December 27, 2025 09:15:00 UTC — Indonesian search and rescue teams are scouring waters near Komodo Island for a Spanish tour coach and three children after a tourist boat sank yesterday, December 26, 2025. The incident has prompted authorities to temporarily suspend routes to nearby islands, including Komodo and Padar.
Family Disappears During Indonesian Island Tour
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A family of four—a Spanish coach and his three children—are missing after their tour boat capsized off the coast of Padar Island, Indonesia.
- A tour boat carrying four Spanish nationals sank near Padar Island, Indonesia, on December 26, 2025.
- The missing individuals include a Spanish coach and his three children.
- Indonesian authorities have launched a search and rescue operation.
- Routes to Komodo and Padar islands have been temporarily closed following the incident.
The search operation, involving multiple vessels and personnel, began immediately after the boat went down. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the sinking, but weather conditions at the time were reportedly calm. The vessel was carrying a total of 11 people, seven of whom have been rescued, according to reports.
Routes Suspended Following Incident
In response to the incident, Indonesian authorities have temporarily suspended tourist routes to Komodo and Padar islands. This measure is intended to facilitate the search and rescue efforts and to allow for a safety review of tour boat operations in the area. “We need to ensure the safety of all tourists visiting these islands,” stated a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
The missing Spanish coach was leading a small tour group when the boat encountered difficulties. Details about the children’s ages have not been released. The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is coordinating the operation, utilizing boats, helicopters, and divers in the search.
What is being done to find the missing tourists?
Indonesian authorities have launched a full-scale search and rescue operation, deploying multiple vessels, helicopters, and divers to the area near Padar Island. The search is ongoing, and authorities are hopeful of a positive outcome.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety regulations for tour boats operating in Indonesian waters. The area around Komodo and Padar islands is known for its strong currents and unpredictable weather, requiring experienced boat operators and well-maintained vessels.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the missing individuals to come forward. The search continues as families and friends await news, hoping for the safe return of the Spanish coach and his children.
