An aircraft carrying 18 individuals crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after departing from Roatan Island, Honduras, resulting in the deaths of 13 passengers, including Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a well-known musician and former politician.
The Jetstream plane, managed by Honduran airline Lanhsa, descended into the sea minutes following its takeoff from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport at 6:18 p.m. local time on Monday, March 17, 2025. It was en route to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland, located about 35 miles away.
The flight included 15 passengers and three crew members, comprising several U.S. nationals, a French citizen, and two children. Five individuals were rescued from the crash site.
The Honduran National Police verified the casualty numbers and provided updates on the recovery efforts.
Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a prominent Garifuna musician and the first black member of the Honduran Congress from 2006 to 2010, was among those who died. The 55-year-old artist had gained international acclaim for his distinct musical style.
Rescue operations faced challenges as teams worked to reach survivors and recover those who perished. The crash site was located approximately 0.6 miles from the shore.
Footage showed the rescue efforts extending into the evening, with survivors being transported on stretchers across rocky areas while boats provided illumination. The injured were taken to hospitals in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and La Ceiba for treatment.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro promptly activated an Emergency Operations Committee to manage the disaster response.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with some reports pointing to a mechanical failure. Sources from CBS News indicated that 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 generally used for short-haul flights and can carry up to 29 passengers, depending on the model and configuration.
Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, is known for its beautiful coral reefs and diving opportunities. It attracts global visitors interested in underwater exploration and marine life. Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, the flight’s origin, is key for both tourists and locals traveling between the island and the mainland.
Following the crash, local hospitals were on alert, with medical facilities in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba ready to receive patients. Emergency responders, including the Armed Forces, Fire Department, and others, were mobilized as part of the government’s response.
Recovery operations continued through Tuesday morning. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash shortly after takeoff.
This incident is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Honduras in recent years. As families gathered at hospitals and airports for information, communities across Honduras mourned the loss, particularly that of musician Martinez.
International authorities, including U.S. and French officials, are collaborating with Honduran officials to assist the families of foreign nationals involved. The U.S. Embassy in Honduras issued a statement offering condolences and confirmed that consular officers were aiding affected American citizens.