Mexico’s navy has initiated a search-and-rescue mission in the Caribbean to locate two sailboats carrying humanitarian assistance to Cuba, which did not reach Havana as planned. The navy revealed that the two vessels departed from Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, with a total of nine crew members of various nationalities on board. Expected to arrive between Tuesday and Wednesday, there has been no contact or confirmation of their arrival.
These missing boats are part of a wider grassroots aid endeavor for Cuba, which is facing severe power shortages and economic challenges following increased restrictions on oil and other imports by the U.S. One ship from the convoy successfully reached Havana on Tuesday. Volunteers in Mexico loaded the boats with essential supplies like rice, baby wipes, beans, formula, and medicine as part of the “Nuestra America Convoy,” an independent initiative aiming to provide food, medication, and energy-related items to the island.
A convoy spokesperson reassured that the captains and crews are experienced sailors and the vessels are equipped with necessary safety measures and signaling devices. The spokesperson expressed confidence in the crews’ capability to safely reach Havana, stating full cooperation with the authorities. Additionally, Mexico has reached out to maritime rescue coordination centers in Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, along with diplomatic representatives of the crew members’ respective countries.
