Mexico's navy said it had activated a search-and-rescue operation in the Caribbean to locate two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba after the vessels failed to arrive in Havana.
The catamarans, named Friendship and Tigger Moth, set sail from Isla Mujeres in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on 20 March, carrying nine crew members of Polish, French, Cuban, and American nationality.
They were expected to arrive in Havana between 24 and 25 March, but no contact has been made, and there has been no confirmation that they reached their destination.
Mexico’s navy said on Thursday that it had deployed naval teams and military aircraft to locate the missing boats. It has also coordinated with maritime rescue centres in Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, as well as diplomatic representatives from the countries of the crew members.
“The captains and crews are experienced sailors, and both vessels are equipped with appropriate safety systems and signalling equipment,” a spokesperson for the aid convoy, Nuestra America, said. “We are co-operating fully with the authorities and remain confident in the crews’ ability to reach Havana safely.”
The missing boats are part of a wider grassroots effort to deliver aid to Cuba, which has been facing prolonged power outages and a deepening economic crisis following tightened U.S. sanctions on oil and other goods.
Volunteers in Mexico last week loaded the convoy with rice, beans, baby formula, medicine, and other essential supplies.
Earlier in the week, another vessel from the convoy, dubbed Granma 2.0, successfully reached Havana carrying 14 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including solar panels, food, bicycles, and medicines. The arrival was widely celebrated in Cuba.
Cuba has increasingly relied on humanitarian shipments from Mexico since the U.S. fuel embargo began in January, which has contributed to nationwide blackouts and critical shortages.
The United Nations has warned of “dire” supply shortages, with more than 50,000 surgeries cancelled due to electricity constraints.
There has been no comment so far from the Cuban government regarding the missing boats. Meanwhile, U.S.-Cuba tensions continue, with recent statements from U.S. officials and Cuban leaders highlighting the ongoing strain in relations.
The Mexican navy has pledged to use all available resources to locate the vessels and ensure the safety of the crew.
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