Twelve people were killed in a plane crash off the coast of Roatán Island, Honduras, including renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez. The Lanhsa Airlines aircraft went down on Monday shortly after takeoff, carrying three crew members and fourteen passengers bound for La Ceiba on the mainland.
Authorities confirmed the fatalities, which included two children, a French national, and a U.S. citizen. National police and fire officials said rescue operations began immediately, though rough weather made recovery efforts challenging. By Monday night, emergency crews were still searching for one missing victim.
Images showed rescuers working by torchlight as they pulled bodies from the water near Roatán International Airport, just a kilometer from the runway. The island, known for its coral reefs and tourist appeal, quickly became the focus of a large-scale response effort involving local and national agencies.
President Xiomara Castro announced she had activated the Emergency Operations Committee, mobilizing the fire department, armed forces, Red Cross, and health services. Survivors and injured passengers were taken to hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba. “They are working nonstop to help with this tragic incident,” Castro said. “May God protect people’s lives.
