In a tragic turn of events, seven people have been confirmed dead after a Lanhsa Airlines plane crashed into the ocean shortly after takeoff from Roatán, a Bay Island off the Honduran coast.
The flight, which was bound for La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland, carried 14 passengers and three crew members. Ten people survived the crash.
The wreckage was discovered approximately one kilometer off the coast, where officers and rescue workers pulled survivors from the debris. They were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital while authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains undetermined.
Rescue operations underway in the aftermath of a plane crash in location given as Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras in this screengrab from a handout video, date given as March 17, 2025. Policia Nacional de Honduras/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
According to the flight manifest, among those on board were a U.S. national, a French national, and two minors. Officials confirmed that the crash occurred shortly after takeoff, explaining why the debris was found so close to the island. Tragically, one of the deceased was identified as renowned Garifuna musician Aurelio Martínez Suazo.
Rescue operations were particularly challenging due to the crash site’s rough terrain. The area is surrounded by 30-meter rock formations and a sharp coral reef, making access difficult, according to Reuters. Roatán Fire Captain Franklin Borjas described the conditions as nearly impossible, citing “zero visibility” for the divers leading the recovery efforts.
Despite these obstacles, all ten survivors were successfully retrieved and are currently receiving treatment. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, while plans are being made to honor the seven lives lost.
