🔗 Share this article Two Separate Cuba-Headed Aid Sailboats Declared Lost after Departing Mexican Waters. Both vessels Friendship and Tigger Moth left Isla Mujeres, Mexico on March 20th. A large-scale search and rescue mission is currently under way in the Caribbean waters for a duo of unlocated sailing vessels carrying humanitarian supplies journeying from Mexico to the island of Cuba. Military Search Efforts Deployed Mexico has dispatched naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the missing boats, which were carrying no fewer than nine total personnel, per a military release. The vessels had been expected to make landfall in Havana on the early part of the week, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their docking, the navy said. Background of Humanitarian Support to Cuba Cuba has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the nation grapples with repeated nationwide blackouts. "The captains and crews are seasoned mariners, and both vessels are outfitted with suitable safety equipment and communication devices," an official associated with the mission stated. The nine crew members are citizens of Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their embassy officials. "The group is working closely with the relevant authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to reach Havana safely," the spokesperson added. Previous Humanitarian Delivery Previously that week, the Cuban government widely celebrated and warmly received a different ship that had transported a significant amount of relief supplies to the island. That ship, dubbed "a modern Granma" following the name of the vessel in which Fidel Castro came back to Cuba to launch the revolution in the 1950s, carried solar equipment, medicines, infant formula, bikes and food. Larger Geopolitical Context Charity groups and individuals have largely spearheaded efforts to deliver essential supplies to Cuba since January, when a energy blockade on the island nation was initiated. The United Nations have since raised alarms about ""critical" lack of essential goods, with more than 50,000 surgical procedures cancelled in Cuba amid energy rationing. Diplomatic pressure have intensified over the past months, with remarks from several officials underscoring the complicated nature of relations. Responding to certain comments, a high-ranking government figure stated firmly that "the political system of Cuba is not subject to discussion." Reports suggest that early stages of discussions had begun, although their current progress remains uncertain. The Mexican navy affirmed it was committed to using the full extent of its capabilities at its command to locate the vessels and ensure the safety of the sailors. As of now, there has been no official comment on the disappeared vessels by the Cuban leadership.
Both vessels Friendship and Tigger Moth left Isla Mujeres, Mexico on March 20th. A large-scale search and rescue mission is currently under way in the Caribbean waters for a duo of unlocated sailing vessels carrying humanitarian supplies journeying from Mexico to the island of Cuba. Military Search Efforts Deployed Mexico has dispatched naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the missing boats, which were carrying no fewer than nine total personnel, per a military release. The vessels had been expected to make landfall in Havana on the early part of the week, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their docking, the navy said. Background of Humanitarian Support to Cuba Cuba has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the nation grapples with repeated nationwide blackouts. "The captains and crews are seasoned mariners, and both vessels are outfitted with suitable safety equipment and communication devices," an official associated with the mission stated. The nine crew members are citizens of Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their embassy officials. "The group is working closely with the relevant authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to reach Havana safely," the spokesperson added. Previous Humanitarian Delivery Previously that week, the Cuban government widely celebrated and warmly received a different ship that had transported a significant amount of relief supplies to the island. That ship, dubbed "a modern Granma" following the name of the vessel in which Fidel Castro came back to Cuba to launch the revolution in the 1950s, carried solar equipment, medicines, infant formula, bikes and food. Larger Geopolitical Context Charity groups and individuals have largely spearheaded efforts to deliver essential supplies to Cuba since January, when a energy blockade on the island nation was initiated. The United Nations have since raised alarms about ""critical" lack of essential goods, with more than 50,000 surgical procedures cancelled in Cuba amid energy rationing. Diplomatic pressure have intensified over the past months, with remarks from several officials underscoring the complicated nature of relations. Responding to certain comments, a high-ranking government figure stated firmly that "the political system of Cuba is not subject to discussion." Reports suggest that early stages of discussions had begun, although their current progress remains uncertain. The Mexican navy affirmed it was committed to using the full extent of its capabilities at its command to locate the vessels and ensure the safety of the sailors. As of now, there has been no official comment on the disappeared vessels by the Cuban leadership.