Two Cuba-Destined Humanitarian Vessels Reported Unaccounted For following Setting Sail from Mexican Waters.
A extensive search and rescue operation is presently in progress in the Caribbean Sea for a pair of lost sailboats carrying relief goods traveling from the Mexican coast to Cuba.
Maritime Search and Rescue Operations Launched
The Mexican government has deployed naval assets and military search aircraft to find the missing boats, which were had on board a minimum of 9 crew members, according to a military release.
The ships had been scheduled to arrive in the Cuban capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their safe arrival, the statement clarified.
Context of Aid to Cuba
The Caribbean nation has leaned on aid convoys from Mexico over the past few weeks, as the nation struggles through widespread power outages across the country.
"Both crews and captains are veteran seafarers, and the two ships are fitted with proper navigational gear and signalling equipment," an official involved in the effort commented.
The nine crew members are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Mexican authorities said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their consular staff.
"The group is collaborating completely with the officials and remain confident in the crews' ability to reach Havana safely," the statement continued.
Earlier Relief Delivery
Previously that week, the Cuban government publicly celebrated and officially received another boat that had transported 14 tons of humanitarian aid to the country.
That ship, called "Granma 2.0" in reference to the vessel in which Fidel Castro came back to Cuba to launch the armed struggle in the mid-20th century, brought photovoltaic panels, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, cycles and food.
Wider Political Climate
Charity groups and individuals have been at the forefront of attempts to ship humanitarian aid to Cuba since January, when a fuel embargo on the country began.
Global bodies have since highlighted "dire" lack of essential goods, with more than fifty thousand surgical procedures cancelled in Cuba due to energy rationing.
Diplomatic pressure have intensified lately, with comments from various officials underscoring the complex nature of bilateral relations.
Reacting to recent proposals, a senior Cuban official stated firmly that "the political system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."
Reports suggest that preliminary steps of negotiations were initiated, although their current progress remains unclear.
The naval forces affirmed it was committed to using the full extent of its capabilities at its disposal to locate the sailboats and guarantee the well-being of the crews.
As of now, there has been no public statement on the disappeared vessels by the government in Havana.
