A tragic plane crash off the coast of Roatan Island, Honduras, claimed the lives of twelve people, including renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff on Monday, prompting an immediate emergency response from national authorities.

According to Honduras’ transport ministry, the Lanhsa airline flight was carrying fourteen passengers and three crew members. Among the deceased were two children, a French citizen, and a U.S. national, as confirmed by local police sources. The plane was en route to La Ceiba, located on the Honduran mainland.

Images from the crash site showed emergency teams working into the night, using torchlight to recover bodies from the sea. The crash occurred roughly one kilometer from Roatan International Airport, a location known for being part of a popular tourist area surrounded by coral reefs.

Search and rescue efforts have been hampered by poor weather conditions, making the recovery mission more difficult. Franklin Borjas, the local fire chief, confirmed the ongoing operations and noted that one victim remained unaccounted for as of the latest reports.

In response to the disaster, Honduran President Xiomara Castro activated the country’s Emergency Operations Committee (COE). The coordinated response includes the Armed Forces, National Police, Red Cross, Ministry of Health, and other key agencies. All injured individuals are being transported for care at hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.

President Castro extended her condolences and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time. She stated, “May God protect people’s lives,” as the country mourns this devastating loss and continues its efforts to manage the aftermath of the crash.