At least 12 people, including popular musician Aurelio Martínez, died when a small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea shortly after taking off from Roatan, Honduras.

The Lanhsa Airlines plane was en route to La Ceiba when it made a sharp turn and fell into the water.

Of the 17 passengers and crew, five were rescued and hospitalized, and the search for a missing body continues.

The crash is believed to have been caused by a mechanical failure. Martínez, a renowned Garifuna musician, was known for his contributions to punta rock and his global performances, CBS News has reported.

The rescue efforts were hampered by difficult terrain.

Written by B.C. Begley