Mexico’s naval forces have initiated a search-and-rescue mission in the Caribbean to locate two sailboats carrying humanitarian assistance bound for Cuba. The vessels, which departed from Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, last week with a diverse crew of nine individuals, were scheduled to arrive in Havana between Tuesday and Wednesday. However, there has been no communication or confirmation of their arrival.
These missing boats are part of a larger grassroots aid endeavor aimed at providing relief to Cuba, which is grappling with prolonged power shortages and a worsening economic situation following increased restrictions on oil and other commodities due to a tightened U.S. embargo. A separate boat from the convoy successfully reached Havana on Tuesday.
Volunteers in Mexico loaded the boats with essential supplies such as rice, baby wipes, beans, formula, and medicine as part of the “Nuestra America Convoy,” a non-governmental initiative focused on delivering food, medications, and energy-related items to the island.
According to a convoy spokesperson cited by Reuters, both vessels are operated by experienced sailors and are equipped with necessary safety measures and signaling devices. The convoy remains optimistic about the crews’ ability to safely reach Havana and is cooperating with authorities. In addition, Mexico has contacted maritime rescue coordination centers in Poland, France, the United States, and Cuba, as well as the diplomatic representatives of the crew members’ respective countries.