Small plane crashes after take off from Caribbean island along Honduras' coast, killing at least 12

At least a dozen people died after a plane crashed off the Caribbean coast of Honduras Monday evening, authorities said.

The Civil Aeronautics Agency of the country reported that the plane crashed only moments after taking off from the Juan Manuel Galvez Airport on Roatan Island. The flight was supposed to head towards the nearby island of La Ceiba.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro said the wreckage was found less than a mile off the coast of Roatan Island.

Onboard the aircraft, which was a Jetstream 32 operated by Honduran airline Lanhsa, there were two crew members and 15 passengers in total, as confirmed by the aeronautics agency.

emergency crews working at night

Rescue teams work in the aftermath of a plane crash near Roatan Island, Honduras, on March 17, 2025.  (National Police of Honduras/Handout)

The government of Honduras activated several emergency services, including the Armed Forces, firefighters and police.

“The Government of Honduras deeply regrets the tragic accident in Roatan,” the government said in a post on X Monday.

The armed forces also said in a post on X that “rapid response teams continue working in the area to safeguard the lives of those affected.”

Dramatic video of the incident shows emergency crews conducting rescue efforts from the sea.

Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas informed Reuters that the survivors of the crash were taken to a nearby hospital. Nevertheless, he pointed out that adverse conditions presented challenges for the search and rescue operations on Monday.

“It’s been difficult to access the accident [site], because there are 30 meters [98 feet] of rocks, and you can’t get there while walking or swimming,” Borjas said on Monday night. “The divers helping with the rescue have zero visibility.”

Firefighters said efforts to find the sole missing passenger will continue Tuesday when weather and visibility conditions are expected to improve. 

Reuters contributed to this report.

You May Also Like
R.I.P. Valerie Mahaffey: ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Young Sheldon’ Star Dead at 71

Valerie Mahaffey Passes Away at 71: ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Young Sheldon’ Actress Remembered

Valerie Mahaffey, a celebrated actress known for her unique roles in both…
Trump shares theory that Joe Biden DIED in 2020 and was replaced by a clone

Trump suggests idea that Joe Biden may have passed away in 2020 and been substituted with a clone

On Saturday night, President Donald Trump took to social media to share…
Bill Maher Slams Diddy and Calls for a “New Rule” on Abuse Allegations: “If You’re Being Abused, You’ve Got to Leave Right Away”

Bill Maher criticizes Diddy and proposes a “New Rule” regarding abuse claims: “If you’re experiencing abuse, exit immediately.”

As Sean “Diddy” Combs faces ongoing legal scrutiny over allegations of sexual…
Karen Read sells home and taps retirement fund to pay mounting legal bills in murder retrial

“Karen Read Sells Home and Dips into Retirement Fund to Cover Increasing Legal Costs for Murder Retrial”

As murder defendant Karen Read enters the midway point of her second…
Chart-topping rock band sparks major backlash after waving Palestinian flag on stage

Popular rock band faces strong criticism for displaying Palestinian flag during performance

Imagine Dragons is facing major backlash after frontman Dan Reynolds triumphantly waved…
Chart-topping singer looks unrecognisable in childhood throwback... can you guess who it is?

Famous singer looks completely different in old childhood photo… Can you guess who it is?

A singer looked unrecognisable as she shared a throwback photo from her…
Prince Harry sought advice from Princess Diana's brother asking if he should change family name to Spencer

“Prince Harry Consults Princess Diana’s Brother About Changing Family Name to Spencer”

Prince Harry sought advice from Princess Diana’s brother about changing his family…
Unexpected: Ivy-Leaguer Bill Maher Actually (Kind of) Agrees With What Trump Is Doing to Harvard

Surprising: Bill Maher from an Ivy League university somewhat supports Trump’s actions towards Harvard

On Friday, the host of HBO’s “Real Time,” who has made a…
Israel Defense Forces: 'We Eliminated the Head of Hamas, Again'

Israel’s Military: ‘We Have Eliminated Hamas Leader, Again’

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have effectively shortened the career prospects of…
Judge's blistering attack on woman who can't stop drink-driving after she kills AGAIN in SECOND fatal crash

Judge criticizes woman for continuing to drive under the influence after causing a second deadly accident

In a Florida courtroom, a judge strongly condemned a repeat drunk driver…
Weeds star dead after battle with lymphoma

Celebrity from Weeds loses fight against lymphoma

Weeds star Renee Victor has passed away at the age of 86…
Where Was ‘Mountainhead’ Filmed? Inside the $65 Million ‘Mountainhead’ House From the HBO Movie

Discover the Filming Location of ‘Mountainhead’: Exploring the $65 Million Mansion Featured in the HBO Film

If you finish watching the new HBO original movie Mountainhead by Jesse…