Two Cuba-bound Aid Sailboats Declared Unaccounted For following Setting Sail from Mexican Waters.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is actively in progress in the Caribbean Sea for two unlocated boats transporting humanitarian supplies journeying from Mexico to Cuba.

Naval Search and Rescue Efforts Launched

Authorities in Mexico has sent naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to find the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were transporting at least 9 sailors, per a official statement.

The vessels had been projected to make landfall in Havana on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been no communication from them and no confirmation of their docking, authorities reported.

Background of Humanitarian Support to the Island

The Caribbean nation has depended significantly on Mexico's over the last several weeks, as the nation struggles through widespread national electricity failures.

"The skippers and their teams are seasoned mariners, and the two ships are outfitted with appropriate safety systems and communication devices," an official for the convoy said.

The nine individuals on board are citizens of Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has opened communications with rescue coordination centers from those nations along with their consular staff.

"The group is working closely with the relevant authorities and continue to be hopeful in the capability of the sailors to make it to Cuba without incident," the spokesperson added.

Earlier Relief Delivery

Earlier in the week, the Cuban authorities warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare a different ship that had carried 14 tons of relief supplies to the island.

That ship, nicknamed "a new Granma" after the boat in which the revolutionary leader came back to Cuba to begin the revolution in the 1950s, delivered photovoltaic panels, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, bikes and food.

Broader Political Context

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded initiatives to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba beginning in January, when a fuel embargo on the country came into effect.

International organizations have since warned of "dire" shortages of supplies, with in excess of fifty thousand surgical procedures cancelled in Cuba due to power shortages.

Political measures have intensified over the past months, with comments from various representatives highlighting the complicated situation regarding relations.

Reacting to recent comments, a senior official from Cuba stated firmly that "the socialist system of Cuba is non-negotiable."

Indications suggest that early stages of discussions had begun, although their present status remains uncertain.

The naval forces affirmed it was pledged to using the full extent of its capabilities at its command to locate the boats and ensure the well-being of the people on board.

As of now, there has been silence on the disappeared vessels by the Cuban leadership.