Two Cuba-Destined Relief Sailboats Declared Lost after Leaving the Coast of Mexico.

A extensive search and rescue mission is currently in progress in the Caribbean Sea for a duo of lost sailing vessels transporting aid cargo journeying from Mexico to Havana.

Military Search Missions Launched

Mexico has sent navy personnel and search planes to locate the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were transporting no fewer than nine personnel, as stated by a official statement.

The vessels had been scheduled to arrive in Cuba's capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and zero verification of their docking, the statement clarified.

Background of Relief to the Nation

The island nation has relied heavily on aid convoys from Mexico over recent weeks, as the country struggles through widespread nationwide blackouts.

"The captains and crews are veteran seafarers, and the two ships are outfitted with suitable navigational gear and signalling equipment," an official associated with the mission commented.

The nine individuals on board are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Mexico said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their embassy officials.

"Our team is working closely with the authorities and continue to be hopeful in the capability of the sailors to reach Havana safely," the spokesperson added.

Earlier Aid Mission

Earlier in the week, the Cuban authorities widely celebrated and greeted with fanfare another boat that had carried a significant amount of relief supplies to the country.

That vessel, called "a modern Granma" after the vessel in which the revolutionary leader landed in Cuba to begin the revolution in the mid-20th century, carried photovoltaic panels, drugs, formula milk, cycles and food.

Broader Political Climate

Volunteers and NGOs have been at the forefront of efforts to ship critical assistance to Cuba beginning in January, a period which saw a energy blockade on the country was initiated.

The United Nations have since highlighted "dire" shortages of supplies, with over fifty thousand operations cancelled in Cuba due to electricity supply constraints.

Diplomatic measures have been ramped up in recent months, with statements from several representatives highlighting the complicated situation regarding relations.

Reacting to recent proposals, a senior government figure stated firmly that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."

Reports suggest that preliminary steps of talks were initiated, although their ongoing development remains not publicly known.

The Mexican navy said it was committed to using every available asset at its command to find the vessels and guarantee the security of the sailors.

As of now, there has been silence on the lost ships by the government in Havana.