In brief
As the humanitarian crisis in Cuba escalates, two sailboats named Friendship and Tigger Moth, laden with vital supplies, have gone missing after departing from Mexico. The Mexican Navy has launched a search effort involving naval teams and military aircraft to locate the vessels and ensure the safety of their nine crew members, who hail from several countries. These vessels had been expected in Havana but lost contact before their arrival, raising concerns over their fate and the supply shortages Cuba is currently facing.
A search and rescue operation is underway in the Caribbean for two missing sailboats filled with humanitarian supplies travelling from Mexico to Cuba.
Mexico has deployed naval teams and military search aircraft to locate the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were carrying at least nine crew members, the Mexican navy confirmed.
These vessels had been expected to arrive in Havana on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been no communication from them and no confirmation of their arrival.
The Mexican navy expressed its commitment to using all available resources to locate the boats and ensure the safety of the crews.
The two missing ships departed Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, on March 20. Crew members aboard are from Poland, France, Cuba, and the US, with Mexico establishing contact with maritime rescue coordination centers in each nation.
Despite the situation, the spokesperson for the convoy mentioned, The captains and crews are experienced sailors, and both vessels are equipped with appropriate safety systems and signaling equipment. Confidence among the supporters remains high regarding the crews' capability to reach Havana safely.
Last week, another vessel delivered humanitarian aid to Cuba, showcasing the ongoing efforts by volunteers and NGOs to provide relief amid increasing supply shortages exacerbated by US sanctions.
As Cuba grapples with dire economic conditions, including multiple nationwide blackouts, the reliance on humanitarian shipments from Mexico intensifies, underlining the critical nature of the missing ships' mission.
