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Indonesia Ends Search for Missing Spanish Boy in Komodo Sinking

Attention now turns to a negligence investigation alongside stricter tourist-boat rules.

Overview

  • Indonesia’s search-and-rescue agency concluded the 15-day operation on Friday with no trace of 10-year-old Quique, and vessels returned to Labuan Bajo without a find.
  • Rescuers cited strong currents, high waves and heavy rain in Komodo National Park as persistent obstacles throughout the extended search.
  • Three victims — Fernando Martín, his son Mateo and Lía — were recovered and identified, while a woman and a 7-year-old girl survived the December 26 sinking.
  • Regional police in Nusa Tenggara Timur formally named the captain and the chief engineer as suspects for alleged negligence causing death, an offense carrying up to five years in prison.
  • Port authorities reopened tourist sailings and imposed a ban on night navigation, as families moved ahead with cremations in Bali and began repatriation.