Two Cuba-Headed Relief Vessels Listed Lost subsequent to Setting Sail from Mexican Waters.
A large-scale search and rescue mission is actively ongoing in the Caribbean region for a duo of unlocated sailboats loaded with aid cargo en route from Mexico to Havana.
Naval Rescue Missions Initiated
Authorities in Mexico has dispatched navy personnel and military search aircraft to find the missing boats, which were transporting no fewer than 9 sailors, according to a military release.
The vessels had been expected to make landfall in Cuba's capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no confirmation of their docking, the navy said.
Background of Aid to the Island
The Caribbean nation has relied heavily on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the island endures widespread national electricity failures.
"Both crews and captains are seasoned mariners, and both vessels are outfitted with proper safety systems and signalling equipment," a representative associated with the mission stated.
The nine-person crew are nationals of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Officials said it has opened communications with maritime rescue coordination centres from those nations along with their consular staff.
"We are co-operating fully with the authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to reach Havana safely," the official further stated.
Previous Relief Shipment
Just days before, the Cuban government publicly celebrated and warmly received another boat that had carried a significant amount of relief supplies to the nation.
That boat, nicknamed "a new Granma" after the boat in which the revolutionary leader came back to Cuba to start the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century, carried solar equipment, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, bicycles and provisions.
Larger Geopolitical Context
Volunteers and NGOs have largely spearheaded efforts to bring critical assistance to Cuba beginning in January, a period which saw a fuel embargo on the country was initiated.
The United Nations have since raised alarms about ""critical" lack of essential goods, with more than 50,000 surgeries called off in Cuba because of electricity supply constraints.
Diplomatic tensions have intensified lately, with statements from several leaders highlighting the delicate nature of relations.
Responding to recent comments, a prominent official from Cuba stated firmly that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."
Indications suggest that preliminary steps of negotiations commenced, although their present status remains unclear.
The Mexican navy said it was pledged to using every available asset at its disposal to discover the sailboats and guarantee the safety of the people on board.
As of now, there has been silence on the missing boats by the government in Havana.