A tragic plane crash occurred off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. On Monday night, a small Jetstream passenger aircraft operated by Lanhsa Airlines took off from Roatan Island but plunged into the sea just minutes after take-off. Authorities have confirmed that 12 people lost their lives, 5 survived, and 1 person remains missing.
Wreckage Found Near the Shore
In a statement from the Honduran Ministry of Transport, officials reported that the aircraft’s wreckage was found approximately one kilometre off the coast of Roatan Island. The Honduran Fire Department announced on Tuesday morning that search efforts for the missing passenger were ongoing and that rescue operations would continue as weather conditions improved.
Foreign Nationals and Children Among the Passengers
According to the flight manifest published by local media, the passengers included a US national, a French national, and two children. The aircraft was scheduled to land at La Ceiba Airport on the Honduran mainland.
Renowned Musician Aurelio Martínez Among the Victims
Honduran fire and police officials confirmed that renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez Suazo was among those who lost their lives in the crash. Footage shared by police on social media showed rescue teams carrying surviving passengers on stretchers across the rocky shoreline.
Adverse Weather Conditions Hampering Rescue Efforts
Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas confirmed in a statement to Reuters that the crash occurred shortly after take-off. He stated that poor weather conditions and low visibility were making rescue operations difficult. “Reaching the crash site is challenging as there is a 30-metre-high rocky area, making it impossible to get there on foot or by swimming. Additionally, divers are experiencing near-zero visibility,” he explained.
Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
The cause of the crash remains unclear, and the airline has yet to issue an official statement. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
