Two Cuba-Bound Aid Boats Missing; Mexico Navy Seeks Clues
Two Cuba-Bound Aid Boats Missing; Mexico Navy Seeks Clues
Two humanitarian boats heading to Havana from Isla Mujeres have vanished, prompting a Caribbean search-and-rescue by the Mexican navy.
Mexico’s navy activated a search-and-rescue operation in the Caribbean to locate two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba after they failed to arrive in Havana as scheduled. The vessels left Isla Mujeres, in Quintana Roo, last week bound for Havana with nine crew members of different nationalities on board. They were expected to arrive between 24 and 25 March, but there had been no communication from them and no confirmation of their arrival.
They are part of the Nuestra America Convoy, a grassroots effort to deliver food, medicines and energy-related goods to Cuba, which has been grappling with power outages and economic difficulties amid a tightened embargo. A separate vessel from the convoy arrived in Havana on Tuesday, signaling that some aid has reached its destination.
The navy said the captains and crews are experienced sailors, and both vessels are equipped with appropriate safety systems and signalling equipment. Authorities noted they are cooperating fully with the rescue efforts and remain hopeful about the crews’ safety and eventual arrival in Havana.
Mexico has established contact with maritime rescue coordination centers in Poland, France, Cuba and the United States, as well as diplomatic representatives of the countries of origin of those on board. The search operation underscores ongoing humanitarian efforts to support Cuba amid logistical and political pressures, with volunteers and governments watching closely for any news about the missing boats.
