🔗 Share this article Two Separate Cuba-Destined Humanitarian Sailboats Reported Lost subsequent to Leaving Mexico. The ships named Friendship and Tigger Moth set off from Mexico on March 20th. A extensive search and recovery mission is currently in progress in the Caribbean Sea for two lost boats transporting relief goods journeying from Mexico to the island of Cuba. Maritime Search and Rescue Missions Launched The Mexican government has sent navy personnel and military search aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were carrying no fewer than nine total personnel, per a military release. The vessels had been expected to reach Havana on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their arrival, authorities reported. Background of Relief to the Nation The island nation has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the island endures multiple power outages across the country. "The captains and crews are seasoned mariners, and each boat are equipped with proper safety systems and emergency beacons," an official associated with the mission commented. The nine crew members are nationals of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Officials said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from those nations along with their diplomatic representatives. "The group is co-operating fully with the authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to make it to Cuba without incident," the statement continued. Previous Humanitarian Mission Just days before, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare a separate vessel that had transported a significant amount of relief supplies to the island. That ship, nicknamed "a new Granma" after the yacht in which the revolutionary leader came back to Cuba to begin the armed struggle in the 1950s, brought solar equipment, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, cycles and foodstuffs. Larger Geopolitical Context Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have primarily led attempts to deliver critical assistance to Cuba since January, when a oil sanctions on the country came into effect. The United Nations have since raised alarms about ""severe" shortages of supplies, with over fifty thousand surgeries postponed in Cuba because of electricity supply constraints. Foreign policy measures have increased over the past months, with comments from various leaders highlighting the delicate situation regarding diplomatic ties. In response to recent statements, a prominent official from Cuba insisted that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation." Accounts suggest that preliminary steps of discussions were initiated, although their present status remains uncertain. The maritime authorities affirmed it was committed to using every available asset at its disposal to locate the sailboats and ensure the security of the crews. At this time, there has been silence on the disappeared vessels by the government in Havana.
The ships named Friendship and Tigger Moth set off from Mexico on March 20th. A extensive search and recovery mission is currently in progress in the Caribbean Sea for two lost boats transporting relief goods journeying from Mexico to the island of Cuba. Maritime Search and Rescue Missions Launched The Mexican government has sent navy personnel and military search aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were carrying no fewer than nine total personnel, per a military release. The vessels had been expected to reach Havana on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their arrival, authorities reported. Background of Relief to the Nation The island nation has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the island endures multiple power outages across the country. "The captains and crews are seasoned mariners, and each boat are equipped with proper safety systems and emergency beacons," an official associated with the mission commented. The nine crew members are nationals of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Officials said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from those nations along with their diplomatic representatives. "The group is co-operating fully with the authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to make it to Cuba without incident," the statement continued. Previous Humanitarian Mission Just days before, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare a separate vessel that had transported a significant amount of relief supplies to the island. That ship, nicknamed "a new Granma" after the yacht in which the revolutionary leader came back to Cuba to begin the armed struggle in the 1950s, brought solar equipment, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, cycles and foodstuffs. Larger Geopolitical Context Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have primarily led attempts to deliver critical assistance to Cuba since January, when a oil sanctions on the country came into effect. The United Nations have since raised alarms about ""severe" shortages of supplies, with over fifty thousand surgeries postponed in Cuba because of electricity supply constraints. Foreign policy measures have increased over the past months, with comments from various leaders highlighting the delicate situation regarding diplomatic ties. In response to recent statements, a prominent official from Cuba insisted that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation." Accounts suggest that preliminary steps of discussions were initiated, although their present status remains uncertain. The maritime authorities affirmed it was committed to using every available asset at its disposal to locate the sailboats and ensure the security of the crews. At this time, there has been silence on the disappeared vessels by the government in Havana.