A plane crash off the coast of Roatan Island, Honduras, has left twelve people dead, including renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez. The Lanhsa Airlines aircraft went down shortly after takeoff on Monday, turning what should have been a short domestic flight into a national tragedy.

Authorities said the plane was carrying fourteen passengers and three crew members on a flight to La Ceiba. Victims included two children, a French citizen, and a U.S. national. The crash occurred “roughly one kilometer from Roatan International Airport,” an area known for tourism and coral reefs.

Emergency crews worked through the night, using lights to search the water and recover bodies. Rescue efforts have been complicated by bad weather and low visibility. Roatan fire chief Franklin Borjas confirmed operations were ongoing, with one person still unaccounted for.

President Xiomara Castro activated the country’s Emergency Operations Committee, bringing together the armed forces, police, health officials, and the Red Cross. Survivors and injured passengers were taken to hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, while investigators began examining the cause of the crash.

President Castro offered condolences to grieving families, saying, “May God protect people’s lives.” As the country mourns, tributes continue for Aurelio Martinez, whose music honored Garifuna culture and unity, leaving behind a legacy remembered with deep respect.