A Caribbean Sea crash of a small plane killed at least twelve people, including U.S. citizens, in what turned out to be a devastating accident that has families grieving across multiple countries. It came just moments after takeoff when the aircraft, however, reportedly made a sharp, rapid right turn away from the runway, before crashing into the water. In a confirmation, Honduran civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said the plane abruptly maneuvered before impact and it happened so quickly that even other witnesses nearby were stunned by the plane’s rapid descent.
One local fisherman, who witnessed the crash, said there was a terrifying close call, adding that the aircraft almost came within a whisker of him as it crashed into the sea. Rescuers quickly headed into action to help, but it was a difficult task to reach the wreck. Roatán Fire captain Franklin Borjas said the crash site was in a treacherous region with 30 meters (about 98 feet) of jagged rocks. “I can’t get there on foot or swimming,” he told reporters. “The divers assisting with the rescue have no visibility.” The terrain is difficult, the water not good, and search and recovery has been severely hampered by all that.
The crash set off a swift response by Honduran President Xiomara Castro, who quickly called an Emergency Operations Committee, which comprises several government agencies working in unison. The Transport Ministry of Honduras said the plane was carrying 14 people, including crew members. Two of those have since been reported as survivors, with all other passengers confirmed deceased.
Among the victims was Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martínez, a much-loved Garífuna who whose ancestry reached back to St Vincent. Internationally, Martinez was known for his efforts to preserve, protect and advance Garífuna music and culture.
Tributes have been flooding in for his death across the Caribbean and Central America. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize marked the passing of Martínez as a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. In his words: ‘His passing leaves a hole in the world of music and culture, but his work remains enshrined in the hearts of anyone who loved his art and his people.’
The crash may have been caused by mechanical fault in early reports, but investigators are still trying to figure out what happened. It confirmed that at least one American citizen was among the dead and extended condolences to the victim’s family. And they also said they are helping the relatives and working with Honduran authorities during the investigation.
This is a serious aviation disaster for this region and a shock wave for local communities and diplomatic circles around the world. A tourist magnet in the Caribbean, Roatán has seen a mass of tourism and charter flight activity that has safety on everyone’s mind.
