Two Cuba-Headed Relief Ships Reported Lost after Setting Sail from Mexico.
A extensive rescue and recovery operation is actively under way in the Caribbean region for two missing sailing vessels loaded with humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to Havana.
Naval Search Efforts Initiated
The Mexican government has dispatched naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the missing boats, which were had on board a minimum of nine total personnel, as stated by a military release.
The ships had been scheduled to arrive in the Cuban capital on the early part of the week, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no confirmation of their docking, the navy said.
Background of Aid to the Nation
Cuba has relied heavily on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the nation endures widespread power outages across the country.
"Both crews and captains are seasoned mariners, and the two ships are equipped with appropriate navigational gear and communication devices," an official for the convoy stated.
The nine crew members are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from those nations along with their consular staff.
"The group is working closely with the authorities and are still optimistic in the capability of the sailors to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.
Previous Humanitarian Mission
Earlier in the week, the government in Havana publicly celebrated and warmly received another boat that had carried 14 tonnes of donated goods to the country.
That vessel, dubbed "Granma 2.0" 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, drugs, baby formula, cycles and provisions.
Larger International Backdrop
Volunteers and NGOs have primarily led initiatives to ship humanitarian aid to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, a period which saw a oil sanctions on the Communist-run nation began.
The United Nations have since highlighted ""critical" supply shortages, with over 50,000 operations called off in Cuba because of power shortages.
Political pressure have intensified over the past months, with comments from different leaders highlighting the complex situation regarding bilateral relations.
Responding to certain proposals, a senior official from Cuba stated firmly that "the socialist system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."
Indications suggest that early stages of discussions commenced, although their ongoing development remains uncertain.
The naval forces stated it was pledged to using all of the resources at its disposal to find the sailboats and secure the safety of the people on board.
As of now, there has been no official comment on the missing boats by the Cuban leadership.
