Two Separate Cuba-Headed Humanitarian Sailboats Declared Unaccounted For following Leaving Mexican Waters.

A extensive search and rescue operation is presently ongoing in the Caribbean waters for a duo of unlocated sailing vessels carrying humanitarian supplies en route from Mexico to Cuba.

Maritime Rescue Missions Initiated

Authorities in Mexico has dispatched naval assets and reconnaissance aircraft to locate the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were transporting a minimum of nine personnel, per a official statement.

The vessels had been expected to reach the Cuban capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no confirmation of their docking, the navy said.

Background of Relief to Cuba

The Caribbean nation has relied heavily on aid convoys from Mexico over the last several weeks, as the country struggles through widespread power outages across the country.

"The skippers and their teams are veteran seafarers, and the two ships are equipped with suitable safety systems and communication devices," a spokesperson associated with the mission said.

The nine individuals on board are nationals of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Officials said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from each country along with their consular staff.

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

Recent Aid Mission

Previously that week, the Cuban authorities widely celebrated and warmly received a separate vessel that had delivered 14 tons of humanitarian aid to the country.

That vessel, dubbed "Granma 2.0" following the name of the vessel in which the revolutionary leader returned to Cuba to launch the revolution in the mid-20th century, carried photovoltaic panels, drugs, baby formula, bikes and foodstuffs.

Larger International Backdrop

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded efforts to bring essential supplies to Cuba beginning in January, coinciding with the time a energy blockade on the country came into effect.

The United Nations have since warned of ""critical" shortages of supplies, with over 50k surgeries called off in Cuba because of power shortages.

Diplomatic tensions have been ramped up lately, with comments from different officials highlighting the delicate nature of diplomatic ties.

Responding to recent proposals, a prominent official from Cuba declared that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."

Reports suggest that preliminary steps of talks had begun, although their ongoing development remains unclear.

The maritime authorities affirmed it was dedicated to using all of the resources at its disposal to discover the vessels and ensure the security of the sailors.

As of now, there has been silence on the missing boats by the Cuban leadership.