A extensive rescue and recovery mission is currently under way in the Caribbean region for a duo of unlocated sailing vessels loaded with aid cargo en route from Mexico to Havana.
Military Search Missions Initiated
Authorities in Mexico has sent naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the two vessels, which were had on board a minimum of nine total crew members, according to a military release.
The ships had been scheduled to arrive in the Cuban capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been no communication from them and zero verification of their safe arrival, the navy said.
Context of Relief to the Island
The Caribbean nation has depended significantly on Mexico's over recent weeks, as the country grapples with multiple national electricity failures.
"The captains and crews are veteran seafarers, and both vessels are fitted with appropriate navigational gear and communication devices," a representative involved in the effort said.
The nine individuals on board are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Officials said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their diplomatic representatives.
"We are collaborating completely with the relevant authorities and are still optimistic in the capability of the sailors to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.
Earlier Aid Delivery
Just days before, the Cuban authorities publicly celebrated and officially received a different ship that had carried 14 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the island.
That boat, called "a new Granma" after the vessel in which Castro landed in Cuba to start the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century, brought photovoltaic panels, drugs, infant formula, cycles and provisions.
Broader Political Climate
Charity groups and individuals have been at the forefront of efforts to ship essential supplies to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, a period which saw a oil sanctions on the Communist-run nation came into effect.
The United Nations have since warned of ""critical" lack of essential goods, with in excess of 50,000 surgical procedures cancelled in Cuba due to electricity supply constraints.
Political tensions have increased in recent months, with comments from different officials highlighting the complex nature of bilateral relations.
In response to recent comments, a senior government figure insisted that "the governance model of Cuba is non-negotiable."
Reports suggest that early stages of negotiations commenced, although their present status remains not publicly known.
The Mexican navy stated it was pledged to using all of the resources at its command to discover the sailboats and ensure the security of the crews.
At this time, there has been silence on the disappeared vessels by the Cuban government.
