A plane carrying 18 people crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after takeoff from Roatan Island, Honduras, killing 13 passengers, including popular musician and former politician Aurelio Martinez Suazo.
The Jetstream aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, plunged into the water just minutes after departing from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport at 6:18 pm local time on Monday, March 17, 2025. The plane was scheduled to fly to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland, approximately 35 miles away.
Among the 15 passengers and three crew members were several US nationals, a French citizen, and two children. Five people were rescued from the wreckage.
The Honduran National Police confirmed the death toll and provided updates on the ongoing recovery efforts.
Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a renowned Garifuna musician who had also served as the first black member of the Honduran Congress from 2006 to 2010, was among those who perished in the crash. Known as one of Central America’s most gifted performers, the 55-year-old artist had built an international reputation for his unique musical style.
Rescue teams faced significant challenges as they worked to reach survivors and recover victims from the crash site, which was located approximately 0.6 miles from the coast.
Dramatic footage captured the desperate rescue mission as teams worked into the evening hours. Survivors were carried on stretchers across rocky terrain as boats shone bright lights to illuminate the darkness. The injured were transported to hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba for medical treatment.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro quickly activated an Emergency Operations Committee to coordinate the response to the disaster.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though some reports suggest a possible mechanical failure. According to sources from CBS News, the plane “made a sharp turn to the right and fell into the water, almost crashing into nearby fishermen.”
The aircraft involved was identified as a British-made Jetstream 41, though some reports referred to it as a Jetstream 32. These regional airliners are typically used for short-haul flights and can carry up to 29 passengers, depending on the specific model and configuration.
Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning coral reefs and diving opportunities. The island attracts visitors from around the world, particularly those interested in underwater exploration and marine wildlife. The airport where the flight originated, Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, serves as a crucial transportation hub for tourists and locals traveling between the island and the mainland.
Local hospitals were placed on alert following the crash, with medical facilities in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba prepared to receive patients. Emergency responders, including members of the Armed Forces, Fire Department, and other services, were mobilized as part of the government’s response to the disaster.
Recovery operations continued through Tuesday morning. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency launched an investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to crash so shortly after takeoff.
The incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Honduras in recent years. As families of the victims gathered at hospitals and airports seeking information about their loved ones, communities across Honduras began mourning those lost in the tragedy, particularly the beloved musician Martinez.
International authorities, including officials from the United States and France, are working with Honduran officials to assist the families of foreign nationals involved in the crash. The U.S. Embassy in Honduras issued a statement offering condolences and confirming that consular officers were providing assistance to affected American citizens.
