A tragic plane crash occurred off the coast of a Caribbean island, claiming the lives of at least 12 individuals, including a renowned musician. The small aircraft, operated by Lanhsa Airlines, plunged into the sea shortly after departing from Roatan, a popular tourist spot in Honduras, en route to La Ceiba on the mainland.
According to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla, the plane veered sharply to the right after takeoff and ended up in the water. A local fisherman recounted the near-miss, stating that the aircraft almost crashed into his fishing area.
The plane was carrying 17 people, five of whom were rescued and taken to the hospital. Dramatic footage shared on social media depicted rescue workers transporting a survivor on a stretcher to the rocky shore. Rescue teams continued their search, with only one body unaccounted for.
Roatan's fire captain, Franklin Borjas, mentioned that the survivors were hospitalized, though their conditions were not disclosed. He noted the challenging terrain, which hindered rescue efforts, with divers facing zero visibility due to the rocky environment.
Among those who perished was Aurelio Martínez, a former congressman and a prominent figure in the Garifuna community, known for his musical talent. Martínez, who also held U.S. citizenship, was mourned by his nephew, Ángel Aparicio Fernández Martínez, who described him as the family's cornerstone.
Martínez, a former member of Los Gatos Bravos, later founded his own group, Lita Ariran. His debut album, "Garifuna Soul," brought him international acclaim. He was celebrated for his contributions to Garifuna music, particularly the vibrant punta rock genre.
The flight had 15 passengers, two pilots, and a flight attendant on board. The crash, occurring about half a mile from the island, was attributed to a suspected mechanical failure in the Jetstream 41 aircraft. Honduran President Xiomara Castro promptly activated an emergency response team to aid the victims.