Mexican Navy Searches For Missing Sailboats Bound For Cuba

MEXICO CITY — The Mexican navy was searching for two sailboats carrying nine people that departed from Isla Mujeres on March 20, bound for Cuba with humanitarian aid. Naval authorities have not received any communication or confirmation that the vessels arrived in Cuba, according to naval authorities.

The sailboats were expected to arrive in Cuba between Tuesday and Wednesday. On Friday, Nuestra América Convoy said the boats should arrive in Havana between Friday and Saturday based on their reported speed.

The Mexican navy alerted naval commands in Isla Mujeres and Yucalpetén and naval search, rescue and surveillance stations as part of the search efforts, according to the Mexican navy. The navy established coordination with maritime rescue coordination centers in Poland, France, Cuba and the United States and with diplomatic representatives from the countries of origin of those on board.

Search operations involve navy vessels and Persuader-type aircraft conducting maritime and aerial search patterns along the estimated route between Isla Mujeres and Havana, the Mexican navy said. The search efforts account for possible course changes, prevailing weather conditions and ocean currents in the region.

"From our country, we are doing everything possible in the search and rescue of these brothers in struggle," said Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba. Nuestra América Convoy called for any information or sightings of the boats.

"We are cooperating fully with the authorities and remain confident in the crews' ability to reach Havana safely," said Nuestra América Convoy.

Both vessels are equipped with appropriate safety systems and signaling equipment. The captains and crews of the missing boats are experienced sailors.

Countries and aid organizations are sending shipments of humanitarian aid to Cuba. A vessel from Convoy Nuestra América arrived in Havana on Tuesday carrying 14 tons of food and medicine, 73 solar panels and about a dozen bicycles. The United States has imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba that has caused blackouts in the country.