Two Cuba-Headed Humanitarian Vessels Listed Missing after Leaving Mexico.

A comprehensive rescue and recovery operation is currently under way in the Caribbean Sea for two lost sailboats loaded with humanitarian supplies en route from Mexico to Havana.

Military Rescue Operations Launched

Authorities in Mexico has dispatched navy personnel and military search aircraft to find the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were transporting a minimum of nine personnel, as stated by a navy statement.

The vessels had been expected to arrive in Havana on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no official word of their safe arrival, the navy said.

The Situation of Humanitarian Support to the Island

The Caribbean nation has relied heavily on aid convoys from Mexico over recent weeks, as the nation grapples with multiple nationwide blackouts.

"The crews and captains are veteran seafarers, and each boat are outfitted with appropriate safety systems and communication devices," an official associated with the mission commented.

The nine individuals on board are from the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Mexico said it has opened communications with coast guard agencies from each country along with their embassy officials.

"The group is co-operating fully with the authorities and are still optimistic in the capability of the sailors to make it to Cuba without incident," the official further stated.

Earlier Aid Mission

Previously that week, the Cuban government warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare another boat that had delivered 14 tons of humanitarian aid to the nation.

That boat, called "Granma 2.0" in reference to the vessel in which the revolutionary leader came back to Cuba to launch the armed struggle in the 1950s, carried solar panels, drugs, infant formula, bikes and food.

Wider Geopolitical Context

Charity groups and individuals have largely spearheaded efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba since January, coinciding with the time a oil sanctions on the Communist-run nation came into effect.

Global bodies have since raised alarms about "dire" lack of essential goods, with over 50k operations called off in Cuba amid energy rationing.

Political tensions have intensified lately, with statements from different representatives highlighting the complicated nature of diplomatic ties.

In response to certain proposals, a senior government figure stated firmly that "the governance model of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Accounts suggest that initial phases of talks commenced, although their present status remains uncertain.

The maritime authorities stated it was dedicated to using every available asset at its command to find the vessels and secure the safety of the sailors.

At this time, there has been no official comment on the lost ships by the Cuban government.