Plane Crash Off Honduran Coast Leaves 12 Dead, Including Renowned Honduran Artist and Politician

Twelve people lost their lives when a small passenger plane crashed off the coast of Honduras on Monday night, including renowned musician and former congressman Aurelio Martinez.

The British-made Jetstream 41 aircraft took off from Roatan, a popular tourist island, heading for the mainland city of La Ceiba when it suffered an apparent mechanical failure and plunged into the water just half a mile from the shore.

12 PERSONAS FALLECIDAS Y CINCO CON VIDA TRAS ACCIDENTE AÉREO EN ROATÁN

A esta hora solo falta un cuerpo por rescatar, los equipos de socorro continúan las labores. @hegusave pic.twitter.com/HBYMQfj7iW

— Policía Nacional de Honduras (@PoliciaHonduras) March 18, 2025

According to civil aviation official Carlos Padilla, the aircraft “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water.” Emergency responders, including police and fire crews, rushed to the scene and rescued five survivors. Dramatic footage shared by Honduran authorities showed rescue workers pulling one survivor from the wreckage onto the shore. Officials confirmed that one body remains missing as search efforts continue.

The aircraft, operated by Aerolinea Lanhsa, was carrying 18 people—15 passengers, two pilots, and a flight attendant—when it crashed.

Among those killed was 55-year-old Aurelio Martinez, a beloved Garifuna musician who rose to fame in the 1990s before making history as the first Black congressman in Honduras, serving from 2006 to 2010. Known for championing the culture and rights of the Afro-Indigenous Garifuna community, Martinez was widely respected both for his artistry and his activism.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya acknowledged the tragedy on social media, stating that she had “immediately activated” emergency teams, including the Red Cross, to assist with rescue efforts.

As the country mourns the loss of Martinez and the other victims, authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the crash.