A small plane plunged into the Caribbean Sea, killing at least twelve people, including US citizens. Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said the plane “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water” just after takeoff near Roatan Island.

A fisherman who witnessed the crash said he avoided being struck by the plane as it fell into the sea. Rescue crews searched the waters, recovering all but one body. 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 activated an Emergency Operations Committee to coordinate rescue efforts. The country’s transport ministry confirmed 14 people were on board, including crew members.

Among the victims was Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martínez, a prominent figure in Garífuna music. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs honored him as a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music,” adding, “His legacy will live on.”

Reports suggest mechanical failure caused the crash. The US State Department confirmed an American citizen was among the dead.