Mexico’s navy announced on Thursday the initiation of a search-and-rescue mission in the Caribbean to locate two sailboats carrying humanitarian supplies to Cuba. The vessels, which departed from Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, were expected to reach Havana between Tuesday and Wednesday but have not been heard from since. These boats form part of a grassroots initiative aiming to support Cuba, which is facing severe power shortages and economic challenges due to increased restrictions on imports. One ship from the aid convoy successfully reached Havana earlier in the week.
Volunteers in Mexico recently loaded the boats with essential items such as rice, baby products, beans, medicine, and more, as part of the “Nuestra America Convoy.” The convoy, a non-governmental effort, seeks to provide food, medication, and energy-related supplies to Cuba.
A spokesperson for the convoy expressed confidence in the experienced sailors operating the vessels and their equipped safety systems. Mexican authorities have reached out to maritime rescue coordination centers in various countries, including Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, as well as the diplomatic missions representing the crew members’ nationalities.
The search for the missing sailboats continues as concerns grow over the well-being of the nine crew members on board.