A small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after takeoff from Roatan Island, killing at least twelve people, including US citizens. Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said the aircraft “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water” moments after leaving the ground.
A fisherman who witnessed the accident said he narrowly avoided being hit as the plane went down. Emergency crews faced major challenges reaching the site. Roatan Fire captain Franklin Borjas explained, “It’s been difficult to access the accident (site) because there are 30 meters (98 ft) of rocks and you can’t get there while walking or swimming.” He added, “The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility.”
Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced that an Emergency Operations Committee was quickly activated, bringing together multiple agencies to manage rescue and response efforts. Authorities worked under dangerous conditions as they searched the crash area.
The transport ministry reported there were 14 people on board, including crew members. Among the victims was Aurelio Martínez, a renowned Honduran musician and politician, celebrated as a leading voice of Garífuna music, an Afro-Indigenous culture with deep Caribbean roots.
Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honored Martínez, calling him a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music,” adding, “His passing leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved his art and his people.” Officials say the crash was likely caused by mechanical failure, and the US State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen.
