Two Separate Cuba-Headed Aid Sailboats Listed Missing after Leaving Mexican Waters.

A large-scale rescue and recovery operation is actively ongoing in the Caribbean waters for two unlocated sailing vessels transporting humanitarian supplies en route from Mexico to the island of Cuba.

Military Search and Rescue Missions Deployed

Mexico has dispatched naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to find the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were had on board no fewer than nine total sailors, per a military release.

The ships had been scheduled to arrive in Havana on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no confirmation of their docking, the statement clarified.

Background of Humanitarian Support to Cuba

The island nation has depended significantly on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over the last several weeks, as the country endures repeated nationwide blackouts.

"Both skippers and their teams are experienced sailors, and the two ships are fitted with suitable safety systems and emergency beacons," a representative associated with the mission stated.

The nine-person crew are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Mexican authorities said it has been in touch with rescue coordination centers from the involved countries along with their diplomatic representatives.

"The group is collaborating completely with the relevant authorities and remain confident in the crews' ability to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.

Previous Relief Mission

Previously that week, the government in Havana widely celebrated and warmly received a different ship that had delivered 14 tons of donated goods to the nation.

That vessel, dubbed "Granma 2.0" in reference to the yacht in which Castro landed in Cuba to start the revolution in the 1950s, brought solar equipment, drugs, infant formula, bikes and foodstuffs.

Larger Political Backdrop

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, coinciding with the time a energy blockade on the country began.

The United Nations have since warned of ""critical" lack of essential goods, with more than fifty thousand surgical procedures postponed in Cuba due to energy rationing.

Diplomatic pressure have increased over the past months, with remarks from various leaders emphasizing the complex nature of bilateral relations.

Responding to previous comments, a high-ranking Cuban official declared that "the political system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."

Reports suggest that preliminary steps of discussions commenced, although their present status remains uncertain.

The maritime authorities stated it was dedicated to using every available asset at its reach to locate the boats and secure the security of the people on board.

At this time, there has been no public statement on the missing boats by the Cuban leadership.