A devastating plane crash off the coast of Roatán Island in Honduras has left twelve people dead, including renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez. The Lanhsa Airlines flight crashed shortly after takeoff on Monday, triggering an immediate emergency response from authorities and rescue crews.

Officials reported that the aircraft was carrying fourteen passengers and three crew members, traveling to La Ceiba on the mainland. Among those who lost their lives were two children, as well as a French and a U.S. citizen.

The crash happened about one kilometer from Roatán International Airport, a well-known tourist destination surrounded by coral reefs. Rescue teams worked through the night, using lights to search the water and recover victims from the sea.

Efforts have been complicated by bad weather and poor visibility. According to local fire chief Franklin Borjas, search operations are still ongoing, with one person reported missing.

President Xiomara Castro responded by activating the country’s Emergency Operations Committee, bringing together the military, police, Red Cross, and health services to manage the situation and assist victims. Survivors and those injured were taken to hospitals in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba for treatment.

Authorities are continuing to investigate what caused the crash, while the country mourns the lives lost. Tributes have poured in for Aurelio Martínez, whose music honored Garifuna culture and unity, leaving behind a legacy remembered with deep respect.