Tragic Plane Crash Near Roatan Island Claims Seven Lives

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — A plane crashed off the Caribbean coast of Honduras shortly after taking off from Roatan Island on March 17, 2025, resulting in the deaths of seven people, according to authorities. The Jetstream aircraft, operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members when it went down approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the island’s coast.

Local transport minister reports indicate that of the 14 passengers, there were nationals from the United States and France, as well as two minors. The flight was en route to La Ceiba airport on the Honduran mainland.

Roatan fire captain Franklin Borjas confirmed the fatalities and outlined the ongoing rescue operations. Among the deceased was well-known Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo.

Footage shared on social media by the national police captured the dramatic efforts of officers and other responders transporting survivors to shore, some using stretchers amidst difficult conditions as boats provided light in the darkness.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and Lanhsa has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Captain Borjas stated that survivors were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to Borjas, the search and rescue effort faced significant challenges due to terrain conditions. He explained, “It’s been difficult to access the accident site because there are 30 meters (98 ft) of rocks, and you can’t get there while walking or swimming. The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility,” emphasizing the arduous conditions faced by rescue teams.

Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands, is renowned for its tourism and vibrant coral reefs, making this tragic incident particularly concerning for both locals and visitors.

Reporting by Joan Humberto Suazo; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Natalia Siniawski and Jamie Freed.