Two Cuba-Headed Relief Ships Listed Unaccounted For after Departing Mexican Waters.
A comprehensive rescue and recovery mission is currently under way in the Caribbean Sea for two missing sailing vessels carrying relief goods traveling from Mexico to the island of Cuba.
Maritime Search and Rescue Efforts Deployed
Authorities in Mexico has deployed navy personnel and military search aircraft to locate the missing boats, which were carrying no fewer than nine personnel, per a official statement.
The ships had been expected to arrive in Cuba's capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been no communication from them and no official word of their docking, the navy said.
The Situation of Relief to the Island
The Caribbean nation has relied heavily on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over recent weeks, as the island endures repeated nationwide blackouts.
"Both captains and crews are seasoned mariners, and both vessels are equipped with proper safety equipment and communication devices," an official for the convoy stated.
The nine-person crew are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has been in touch with rescue coordination centers from each country along with their diplomatic representatives.
"We are collaborating completely with the officials and remain confident in the ability of the crews to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.
Previous Aid Shipment
Previously that week, the Cuban government widely celebrated and greeted with fanfare a different ship that had transported a significant amount of donated goods to the country.
That ship, called "a new Granma" following the name of the vessel in which Fidel Castro returned to Cuba to start the revolution in the mid-20th century, delivered solar equipment, medicines, infant formula, bikes and foodstuffs.
Wider International Climate
Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have primarily led attempts to deliver critical assistance to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, when a fuel embargo on the Communist-run nation came into effect.
International organizations have since highlighted "dire" lack of essential goods, with more than 50k operations postponed in Cuba because of power shortages.
Political measures have increased lately, with statements from different representatives emphasizing the complex situation regarding relations.
Reacting to certain comments, a prominent government figure insisted that "the political system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."
Reports suggest that preliminary steps of discussions had begun, although their ongoing development remains unclear.
The naval forces affirmed it was pledged to using every available asset at its command to discover the vessels and ensure the well-being of the crews.
At this time, there has been no official comment on the missing boats by the Cuban government.