Deadly Plane Crash in Honduras' Caribbean Waters: 7 Dead, 10 Rescued

Deadly Plane Crash in Honduras' Caribbean Waters: 7 Dead, 10 Rescued

A tragic plane crash near the island of Roatán in the Caribbean Sea has claimed the lives of seven people, while 10 others have been rescued. The incident occurred on Monday night, just minutes after the aircraft took off from Roatán International Airport.

Details of the Aircraft

The ill-fated aircraft was a Jetstream operated by the Honduran airline LANSA. It was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members. According to the country's Minister of Transport, the wreckage was discovered about one kilometer off the island's coast.

Passenger Information

Local media reports indicate that the flight manifest included a U.S. citizen, a French national, and two children. The aircraft was en route from Roatán to La Ceiba Airport.

Rescue Operations

Franklin Borjas, the fire captain in Roatán, confirmed the deaths of seven people. The police and fire departments coordinated rescue efforts, with footage posted on social media showing emergency responders carrying injured passengers on stretchers to safety. Nearby boats also assisted in the rescue operation.

Death of Renowned Musician

Authorities have confirmed that among the deceased was renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez Suazo.

Cause of the Crash

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, and the airline has yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident.

Challenges in Rescue Efforts

Captain Borjas mentioned that adverse weather conditions and rough terrain posed significant challenges for rescue teams. He stated, "Reaching the crash site was difficult due to a 30-meter (98-foot) rocky area, which is impossible to traverse by walking or swimming."

About Roatán

Roatán is the largest island off the coast of Honduras and is a popular tourist destination known for its rich coral reefs. The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting further scrutiny of airline operations.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash while efforts are underway to provide support to the victims and their families.