Two Separate Cuba-Destined Relief Vessels Declared Missing following Departing Mexico.
A large-scale search and recovery effort is actively under way in the Caribbean Sea for a duo of lost sailboats transporting aid cargo traveling from Mexico to Cuba.
Maritime Search Missions Deployed
Mexico has deployed naval teams and search planes to search for the two vessels, which were transporting no fewer than nine personnel, according to a navy statement.
The vessels had been expected to reach the Cuban capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no confirmation of their arrival, authorities reported.
Background of Humanitarian Support to the Nation
The island nation has leaned on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over recent weeks, as the country endures multiple nationwide blackouts.
"Both crews and captains are experienced sailors, and the two ships are outfitted with proper navigational gear and signalling equipment," a representative for the convoy stated.
The nine-person crew are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Mexican authorities said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their diplomatic representatives.
"We are working closely with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the ability of the crews to make it to Cuba without incident," the statement continued.
Previous Aid Delivery
Earlier in the week, the government in Havana publicly celebrated and officially received a separate vessel that had delivered 14 tons of humanitarian aid to the nation.
That ship, called "Granma 2.0" following the name of the vessel in which Fidel Castro came back to Cuba to start the armed struggle in the 1950s, carried photovoltaic panels, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, bicycles and provisions.
Wider Political Backdrop
Charity groups and individuals have largely spearheaded efforts to ship essential supplies to Cuba beginning in January, coinciding with the time a energy blockade on the Communist-run nation was initiated.
Global bodies have since highlighted "dire" lack of essential goods, with over 50k surgical procedures cancelled in Cuba because of power shortages.
Foreign policy tensions have been ramped up in recent months, with comments from several officials emphasizing the delicate situation regarding diplomatic ties.
In response to certain proposals, a high-ranking Cuban official insisted that "the political system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."
Reports suggest that initial phases of negotiations had begun, although their present status remains unclear.
The naval forces stated it was pledged to using all of the resources at its reach to discover the vessels and guarantee the well-being of the people on board.
At this time, there has been silence on the lost ships by the government in Havana.
