Two Cuba-Headed Relief Sailboats Listed Unaccounted For following Setting Sail from Mexican Waters.

A extensive search and recovery effort is presently in progress in the Caribbean region for two lost sailing vessels transporting humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to Havana.

Naval Search and Rescue Operations Deployed

Mexico has deployed naval assets and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were transporting a minimum of 9 personnel, as stated by a military release.

The ships had been projected to arrive in Havana on the early part of the week, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their safe arrival, the statement clarified.

Context of Aid to the Island

Cuba has leaned on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the country grapples with repeated power outages across the country.

"Both crews and captains are veteran seafarers, and the two ships are equipped with appropriate navigational gear and communication devices," an official for the convoy stated.

The nine crew members are from France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Mexico said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their embassy officials.

"Our team is co-operating fully with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the ability of the crews to make it to Cuba without incident," the official further stated.

Previous Aid Shipment

Previously that week, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and officially received a different ship that had carried 14 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the nation.

That vessel, called "a new Granma" following the name of the vessel in which Castro came back to Cuba to start the armed struggle in the 1950s, delivered solar equipment, drugs, formula milk, bicycles and food.

Broader Political Climate

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded attempts to bring critical assistance to Cuba since January, a period which saw a fuel embargo on the Communist-run nation began.

The United Nations have since warned of ""severe" lack of essential goods, with in excess of 50,000 surgeries called off in Cuba amid energy rationing.

Political pressure have intensified lately, with remarks from several leaders emphasizing the complex situation regarding diplomatic ties.

Reacting to previous statements, a prominent official from Cuba declared that "the socialist system of Cuba is non-negotiable."

Accounts suggest that initial phases of talks were initiated, although their ongoing development remains uncertain.

The Mexican navy affirmed it was pledged to using every available asset at its command to find the boats and secure the security of the crews.

To date, there has been silence on the disappeared vessels by the government in Havana.