(NECN/ABC) - An Ethiopian Airlines flight from Beirut to Addis Ababa crashed shortly after takeoff this morning in the waters off Lebanon. So far, at least 34 bodies have been recovered and a search and rescue effort is ongoing. Search and rescue teams from the Lebanese army are scanning the Mediterranean Sea for any trace of the 90 passengers and crew aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 409. Witnesses say they saw the Boeing 737 fall into the sea in flames around 2:30am local time, shortly after takeoff. Lebanon's president Michel Suleiman said "the weather was incredibly stormy." There were reports of thunder and lightning at take-off. Emergency crews on shore have recovered seats from the plane and other debris but no trace of survivors. This is the 3rd deadly accident for Ethiopian Airlines in the last 20 years. The airline has a reputation for safety compared to other African carriers. The airline said the plane was last inspected on December 25th. That is little consolation for relatives who lost loved ones. They gathered at the airport in Beirut awaiting word. One family that should have been there...was not. Fouad Chihab's daughter asked him to extend his visit - that request apparently saved his life. But for the families of the 90 people that were on board, hope for a miracle is fading fast. Gloria Riviera, ABC News, London.