🔗 Share this article Two Separate Cuba-Headed Aid Vessels Reported Unaccounted For after Setting Sail from the Coast of Mexico. Both vessels Friendship and Tigger Moth departed Mexico on March 20th. A comprehensive search and recovery operation is actively in progress in the Caribbean Sea for two lost sailing vessels transporting aid cargo traveling from Mexico to Havana. Maritime Search and Rescue Efforts Deployed Authorities in Mexico has deployed navy personnel and reconnaissance aircraft to locate the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were had on board no fewer than 9 crew members, per a navy statement. The boats had been scheduled to make landfall in the Cuban capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no official word of their arrival, the statement clarified. Background of Aid to the Nation The island nation has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the island endures repeated nationwide blackouts. "The skippers and their teams are veteran seafarers, and the two ships are fitted with appropriate safety equipment and emergency beacons," a representative associated with the mission commented. The nine crew members are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Officials said it has opened communications with maritime rescue coordination centres from each country along with their embassy officials. "Our team is working closely with the relevant authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to reach Havana safely," the official further stated. Earlier Humanitarian Delivery Previously that week, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare a different ship that had carried 14 tonnes of relief supplies to the nation. That ship, nicknamed "a modern Granma" after the vessel in which Fidel Castro returned to Cuba to launch the armed struggle in the mid-20th century, brought solar equipment, drugs, infant formula, bikes and provisions. Larger International Context Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have been at the forefront of efforts to deliver essential supplies to Cuba since January, when a energy blockade on the country came into effect. The United Nations have since raised alarms about "dire" shortages of supplies, with more than 50k operations cancelled in Cuba due to electricity supply constraints. Political tensions have been ramped up lately, with remarks from various officials underscoring the complex state of diplomatic ties. Reacting to recent comments, a senior official from Cuba declared that "the socialist system of Cuba is not subject to discussion." Indications suggest that early stages of discussions were initiated, although their present status remains uncertain. The Mexican navy said it was pledged to using all of the resources at its command to locate the sailboats and secure the well-being of the crews. To date, there has been no public statement on the missing boats by the government in Havana.
Both vessels Friendship and Tigger Moth departed Mexico on March 20th. A comprehensive search and recovery operation is actively in progress in the Caribbean Sea for two lost sailing vessels transporting aid cargo traveling from Mexico to Havana. Maritime Search and Rescue Efforts Deployed Authorities in Mexico has deployed navy personnel and reconnaissance aircraft to locate the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were had on board no fewer than 9 crew members, per a navy statement. The boats had been scheduled to make landfall in the Cuban capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no official word of their arrival, the statement clarified. Background of Aid to the Nation The island nation has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the island endures repeated nationwide blackouts. "The skippers and their teams are veteran seafarers, and the two ships are fitted with appropriate safety equipment and emergency beacons," a representative associated with the mission commented. The nine crew members are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Officials said it has opened communications with maritime rescue coordination centres from each country along with their embassy officials. "Our team is working closely with the relevant authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to reach Havana safely," the official further stated. Earlier Humanitarian Delivery Previously that week, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare a different ship that had carried 14 tonnes of relief supplies to the nation. That ship, nicknamed "a modern Granma" after the vessel in which Fidel Castro returned to Cuba to launch the armed struggle in the mid-20th century, brought solar equipment, drugs, infant formula, bikes and provisions. Larger International Context Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have been at the forefront of efforts to deliver essential supplies to Cuba since January, when a energy blockade on the country came into effect. The United Nations have since raised alarms about "dire" shortages of supplies, with more than 50k operations cancelled in Cuba due to electricity supply constraints. Political tensions have been ramped up lately, with remarks from various officials underscoring the complex state of diplomatic ties. Reacting to recent comments, a senior official from Cuba declared that "the socialist system of Cuba is not subject to discussion." Indications suggest that early stages of discussions were initiated, although their present status remains uncertain. The Mexican navy said it was pledged to using all of the resources at its command to locate the sailboats and secure the well-being of the crews. To date, there has been no public statement on the missing boats by the government in Havana.