A Pair of Cuba-bound Aid Ships Reported Lost following Leaving the Coast of Mexico.

A extensive rescue and recovery mission is currently ongoing in the Caribbean waters for two missing boats loaded with aid cargo traveling from Mexico to the island of Cuba.

Maritime Search Missions Deployed

Authorities in Mexico has sent naval assets and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were carrying a minimum of nine personnel, per a military release.

The vessels had been expected to reach Havana on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been no communication from them and no confirmation of their docking, the statement clarified.

Background of Aid to Cuba

The island nation has depended significantly on Mexico's over recent weeks, as the country grapples with widespread nationwide blackouts.

"Both captains and crews are experienced sailors, and the two ships are fitted with suitable navigational gear and emergency beacons," a spokesperson associated with the mission said.

The nine-person crew are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Mexico said it has opened communications with rescue coordination centers from those nations along with their diplomatic representatives.

"The group is co-operating fully with the authorities and are still optimistic in the capability of the sailors to reach Havana safely," the official further stated.

Recent Humanitarian Delivery

Just days before, the Cuban authorities widely celebrated and officially received another boat that had transported 14 tonnes of donated goods to the country.

That vessel, dubbed "a modern Granma" in reference to the yacht in which Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to start the armed struggle in the 1950s, brought solar equipment, pharmaceuticals, infant formula, cycles and food.

Larger Political Backdrop

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have been at the forefront of initiatives to deliver critical assistance to Cuba beginning in January, a period which saw a energy blockade on the country began.

International organizations have since raised alarms about ""critical" lack of essential goods, with more than 50,000 operations cancelled in Cuba because of energy rationing.

Political tensions have increased over the past months, with comments from several officials highlighting the complicated situation regarding diplomatic ties.

In response to recent statements, a prominent official from Cuba declared that "the political system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Indications suggest that initial phases of talks were initiated, although their present status remains not publicly known.

The naval forces said it was dedicated to using all of the resources at its reach to find the sailboats and guarantee the well-being of the crews.

As of now, there has been no public statement on the lost ships by the Cuban leadership.