A tragic plane crash off the coast of the Honduran island of Roatan on March 17, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including popular Garifuna musician and former congressman Aurelio Martínez. The small Lanhsa Airlines aircraft, which was en route from Roatan to the port of La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland, crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after takeoff.
The Crash and Rescue Efforts
According to Carlos Padilla, a civil aviation official, the plane made a sharp turn to the right just after departing and fell into the water. Witnesses, including a fisherman, reported that the aircraft nearly crashed onto their location. Dramatic rescue footage shared by local authorities showed emergency workers retrieving survivors from the rocky shore, with one body still missing as search efforts continued.
The flight, which had 17 people onboard, included 15 passengers, two pilots, and a flight attendant. Five survivors were rescued and hospitalized, although their conditions were not immediately released.
The Loss of Aurelio Martínez
Among the victims was Aurelio Martínez, a renowned Garifuna musician and cultural ambassador from Honduras. Known for his work in punto rock—a dynamic genre blending Garifuna roots with pop—Martínez had a global following. His nephew, Ángel Aparicio Fernández Martínez, expressed the family’s devastation, describing his uncle as “the pillar” of their family. Aurelio Martínez had gained international recognition for his first album, Garifuna Soul, which led to performances in Europe, the U.S., and beyond.
Martínez’s musical influence was particularly notable in La Ceiba, where he made his mark with his band Los Gatos Bravos before forming Lita Ariran. He was hailed as one of the most significant ambassadors of Garifuna music on the world stage.
Investigation and President’s Response
The crash, which occurred about half a mile from Roatan’s coast, is believed to have been caused by an “apparent mechanical failure” of the British-made Jetstream 41 aircraft, according to police statements. Honduran President Xiomara Castro swiftly activated an emergency response committee involving the armed forces, firefighters, and other local agencies to assist those affected by the tragedy.
The incident has sparked mourning across the nation, especially within the Garifuna community, where Martínez’s music and legacy remain deeply cherished.
Jetstream 41 Picture on Wikimedia by Steve Lynes
Please Note: Picture is for illustration purposes only and not the actual picture of the crashed plane.
