A small aircraft tragically went down in the Caribbean Sea, claiming the lives of at least twelve people, including American nationals. Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla stated that the plane “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water” shortly after takeoff, crashing near Roatan Island’s coast.
A fisherman who witnessed the event described how he narrowly escaped being struck by the aircraft as it plunged into the sea. Rescue teams have been searching the waters, with one body yet to be recovered. Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas highlighted the difficulties in reaching the crash site, explaining, “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.” He also mentioned that “the divers assisting with the rescue have zero visibility.”
In response to the tragedy, Honduran President Xiomara Castro promptly activated an Emergency Operations Committee to coordinate efforts among various agencies. The country’s transport ministry reported that there were 14 individuals aboard, including crew members. Among the deceased was Aurelio Martínez, a well-known Honduran musician and politician celebrated for his contributions to the Garífuna music scene, which originates from the Afro-Indigenous community of St. Vincent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize paid tribute to Martínez, calling him a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music.” They expressed that “his passing leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved his art and his people.”Did you know this: The super rich read as many as 50 Books per year (Here’s How)Sponsored | Blinkist Magazine
Initial reports indicate that the crash may have been caused by a mechanical failure. The State Department has confirmed the death of an American citizen and has offered condolences to the grieving family.
