A small plane carrying 17 people crashed into the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Honduras, killing at least 12 passengers. The Lanhsa Airlines Jetstream had just departed from Roatan Island on Monday night, heading for the mainland, when it reportedly suffered a mechanical failure.
The aircraft veered sharply to the right before plunging into the water just 0.6 miles from shore. Rescue teams arrived quickly, pulling five survivors from the wreckage, while a search continued for remaining victims.
Per CBS, dramatic footage captured emergency workers recovering bodies and assisting survivors. Authorities confirmed the death of popular Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martinez, a key figure in Garifuna music and former member of the National Congress.
His passing sparked an outpouring of tributes, including a statement from Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which called him a champion of Garifuna culture. Witnesses described the terrifying moment the plane went down, with one fisherman recalling how it nearly struck his boat.
The crash site presented major challenges for rescue divers due to poor visibility and rocky underwater terrain. The flight manifest listed passengers from the U.S. and France, along with two minors. A 40-year-old French national was among the injured and was taken to a hospital in San Pedro Sula for treatment.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro responded by activating an emergency operations team to coordinate recovery efforts. The tragedy has left the island of Roatan, a popular tourist destination, mourning the devastating loss of life.
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