A Jetstream aircraft operated by Lanhsa, a Honduran airline, crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after taking off from Roatan Island, Honduras. The incident resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including well-known musician and former politician Aurelio Martinez Suazo.
The aircraft departed from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport at 6:18 p.m. local time on Monday, March 17, 2025, headed for La Ceiba Airport on the mainland, approximately 35 miles away. It crashed minutes after takeoff.
Onboard were 15 passengers and three crew members, including several U.S. nationals, a French citizen, and two children. Five individuals were rescued.
The Honduran National Police confirmed the fatalities and provided updates on recovery efforts.
Aurelio Martinez Suazo, a renowned Garifuna musician and the first black member of the Honduran Congress from 2006 to 2010, was among the deceased. The 55-year-old was known internationally for his musical contributions.
Rescue teams encountered significant challenges at the crash site, which was about 0.6 miles from the coast.
Dramatic footage documented the rescue operation as teams worked into the night. Survivors were carried on stretchers over rocky terrain while boats illuminated the area with bright lights. The injured received medical care in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba hospitals.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro quickly activated an Emergency Operations Committee to manage the disaster response.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with some reports indicating a potential mechanical failure. According to CBS News, the plane “made a sharp turn to the right and fell into the water, almost crashing into nearby fishermen.”
The aircraft was identified as a British-made Jetstream 41, although some reports refer to it as a Jetstream 32. These regional airliners are used for short-haul flights and, depending on the model, can accommodate up to 29 passengers.
Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, is a major tourist destination known for its coral reefs and diving opportunities. The island attracts visitors interested in marine exploration. Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport is an important transportation hub for travel between the island and the mainland.
Local hospitals were on alert following the crash, with medical facilities in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba ready to receive patients. Emergency responders, including the Armed Forces and the Fire Department, were mobilized as part of the government’s disaster response.
Recovery operations continued through the next morning. The Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash shortly after takeoff.
The crash is one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Honduras in recent years. As families of the victims gathered for information, communities across Honduras began mourning the loss, particularly that of musician Martinez.
International authorities, including officials from the United States and France, are collaborating with Honduran officials to assist the families of foreign nationals. The U.S. Embassy in Honduras issued condolences and confirmed that consular officers were aiding affected American citizens.
