Two Cuba-bound Relief Ships Reported Missing subsequent to Departing Mexico.
A large-scale search and recovery mission is currently ongoing in the Caribbean waters for a duo of unlocated boats transporting aid cargo en route from Mexico to Cuba.
Maritime Search and Rescue Missions Initiated
Authorities in Mexico has sent navy personnel and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the missing boats, which were had on board a minimum of nine crew members, per a military release.
The vessels had been scheduled to arrive in Havana on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been no communication from them and zero verification of their safe arrival, authorities reported.
Background of Relief to Cuba
The island nation has relied heavily on Mexico's over recent weeks, as the island struggles through multiple nationwide blackouts.
"Both crews and captains are veteran seafarers, and each boat are equipped with suitable safety systems and communication devices," a representative for the convoy stated.
The nine crew members are citizens of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Mexican authorities said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from those nations along with their diplomatic representatives.
"Our team is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities and remain confident in the ability of the crews to make it to Cuba without incident," the statement continued.
Previous Aid Shipment
Earlier in the week, the Cuban government publicly celebrated and officially received a different ship that had transported 14 tons of relief supplies to the country.
That boat, nicknamed "a new Granma" after the vessel in which the revolutionary leader came back to Cuba to launch the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century, delivered photovoltaic panels, pharmaceuticals, formula milk, bikes and foodstuffs.
Wider International Backdrop
Charity groups and individuals have primarily led initiatives to deliver critical assistance to Cuba beginning in January, when a oil sanctions on the country came into effect.
International organizations have since warned of "dire" supply shortages, with over 50,000 surgical procedures called off in Cuba because of electricity supply constraints.
Political measures have been ramped up lately, with statements from different representatives underscoring the delicate state of relations.
Responding to recent proposals, a high-ranking official from Cuba stated firmly that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."
Reports suggest that preliminary steps of discussions had begun, although their present status remains unclear.
The naval forces said it was pledged to using the full extent of its capabilities at its disposal to find the boats and secure the security of the crews.
As of now, there has been no public statement on the disappeared vessels by the Cuban government.
