A tragic plane crash in the Caribbean Sea has claimed the lives of at least twelve people, including US citizens. According to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla, the aircraft veered sharply to the right of the runway shortly after takeoff, before plummeting into the waters off Roatan Island. A local fisherman, who was a witness to the crash, recounted how he narrowly avoided being struck as the plane plunged into the sea.
Rescue efforts have been hindered by the difficult terrain, with 30 meters (98 feet) of rocky coastline making access nearly impossible by foot or swim. Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas described the conditions as extremely challenging, noting that rescue divers have faced zero visibility underwater.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro responded swiftly to the tragedy, activating an Emergency Operations Committee to coordinate efforts across multiple agencies. According to the country’s Ministry of Transport, there were 14 passengers on board, including crew members. Among the victims was the beloved Honduran musician and politician, Aurelio Martínez. A prominent figure in the Garífuna music scene, Martínez was a cherished voice of the Afro-Indigenous Garífuna community, with deep cultural roots tracing back to St. Vincent. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade honored him as a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music,” adding that his legacy would live on in the hearts of all who celebrated his artistry.
Authorities have suggested that the cause of the crash was a mechanical failure. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen and expressed condolences to their family.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel. Please share this article with your friends and family to honor those affected by this devastating tragedy.
(Note: This article originally appeared on March 17, 2025.)
