Two Cuba-Headed Humanitarian Ships Declared Lost after Leaving Mexican Waters.

A extensive search and recovery mission is actively ongoing in the Caribbean Sea for a duo of lost sailboats carrying aid cargo en route from Mexico to the island of Cuba.

Military Search and Rescue Missions Initiated

Authorities in Mexico has dispatched navy personnel and military search aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were had on board at least 9 sailors, per a military release.

The ships had been scheduled to make landfall in Cuba's capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no official word of their safe arrival, authorities reported.

Background of Relief to Cuba

The island nation has leaned on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over the last several weeks, as the island grapples with widespread nationwide blackouts.

"The captains and crews are experienced sailors, and both vessels are outfitted with proper navigational gear and communication devices," a representative involved in the effort commented.

The nine crew members are citizens of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Officials said it has been in touch with maritime rescue coordination centres from those nations along with their consular staff.

"We are collaborating completely with the relevant authorities and continue to be hopeful in the capability of the sailors to reach Havana safely," the spokesperson added.

Recent Relief Shipment

Previously that week, the government in Havana widely celebrated and greeted with fanfare another boat that had delivered a significant amount of relief supplies to the country.

That boat, called "a new Granma" following the name of the yacht in which Castro landed in Cuba to launch the revolution in the 1950s, delivered solar panels, drugs, infant formula, cycles and foodstuffs.

Broader International Backdrop

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded initiatives to bring humanitarian aid to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, when a energy blockade on the Communist-run nation began.

International organizations have since highlighted "dire" supply shortages, with over 50,000 operations called off in Cuba amid energy rationing.

Political tensions have increased over the past months, with statements from various leaders highlighting the complicated situation regarding bilateral relations.

In response to certain comments, a prominent official from Cuba stated firmly that "the governance model of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Reports suggest that preliminary steps of negotiations were initiated, although their present status remains uncertain.

The naval forces affirmed it was dedicated to using the full extent of its capabilities at its command to find the sailboats and guarantee the well-being of the sailors.

At this time, there has been silence on the lost ships by the government in Havana.