The Japan Times - Missing aid boats 'safely' crossed to Cuba: US Coast Guard

The Mexican Navy had reported Thursday that it launched a search and rescue mission after losing communication with the vessels, which had left from Isla Mujeres in southeast Mexico on March 20 with nine people aboard.

The US Coast Guard, which was not involved in the search efforts, said Friday it had received a report at 10:36 am (1436 GMT) that "the two vessels safely transited to Cuba."

The sailboats are part of an international convoy that has brought 50 tonnes of medical supplies, food, solar panels and other goods to support Cuba as a US fuel blockade has deepened the communist-ruled island's energy and economic crisis.

The first shipments arrived by plane from Europe and the United States last week as part of Our America Convoy to Cuba.

A fishing boat that was converted into an aid vessel, which had also left Mexico last Friday, arrived in Cuba on Tuesday, a few days later than planned due to unfavorable weather, currents and battery issues.

It had been escorted by a Mexican Navy ship part of the way.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel had voiced concern earlier over the two missing boats and said Havana was "doing everything possible" to help the search.

After the Mexican Navy reported the search, a spokesperson for Our America Convoy sought to ease concerns over the fate of the boats, saying organizers remained confident in the crew's ability to reach Havana safely.

The spokesperson said the captains and crews were "experienced" sailors and that both vessels were equipped "with appropriate safety systems and signalling equipment."

The spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday.

- Trump blockade -

The Mexican Navy had indicated that the boats were due to arrive between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Naval authorities did not specify the identities or nationalities of the crew members on the boats, but said they were maintaining communication with rescue agencies in Poland, France, Cuba and the United States.

The Mexican Navy was also in contact with diplomatic missions of the crew.

The search had involved aircraft searching the route between Isla Mujeres and Havana.

Meanwhile, a Mexican Navy ship carrying 111 tonnes of food and other donations arrived in Havana on Friday, according to official Cuban media.

Mexico has now sent four shipments of aid to Cuba totalling more than 3,000 tonnes, though it has yet to resume oil deliveries.

US President Donald Trump imposed a de facto oil blockade on Cuba in January after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, whose government had been Cuba's principal source of fuel supplies.

Trump has also threatened tariffs on countries that ship oil to Cuba.

The island has suffered seven nationwide blackouts since 2024, including two last week alone.

S.Suzuki--JT