Two Cuba-bound Relief Vessels Declared Missing after Setting Sail from Mexico.

A comprehensive search and rescue mission is actively ongoing in the Caribbean Sea for a duo of unlocated sailboats carrying humanitarian supplies journeying from the Mexican coast to Havana.

Military Rescue Missions Deployed

Mexico has dispatched naval teams and military search aircraft to find the two vessels, which were had on board a minimum of 9 sailors, as stated by a navy statement.

The vessels had been scheduled to arrive in the Cuban capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no confirmation of their docking, the statement clarified.

Background of Aid to Cuba

Cuba has leaned on Mexico's over recent weeks, as the country struggles through repeated nationwide blackouts.

"Both captains and crews are experienced sailors, and both vessels are equipped with proper safety systems and communication devices," a spokesperson associated with the mission stated.

The nine individuals on board are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from each country along with their diplomatic representatives.

"We are co-operating fully with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the capability of the sailors to reach Havana safely," the statement continued.

Earlier Aid Shipment

Previously that week, the government in Havana publicly celebrated and greeted with fanfare another boat that had delivered 14 tonnes of donated goods to the nation.

That boat, called "a modern Granma" in reference to the boat in which Castro returned to Cuba to begin the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s, brought solar equipment, medicines, formula milk, bicycles and provisions.

Wider Political Climate

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded initiatives to deliver essential supplies to Cuba since January, when a energy blockade on the island nation began.

The United Nations have since highlighted "dire" lack of essential goods, with over 50,000 operations cancelled in Cuba because of power shortages.

Foreign policy tensions have intensified lately, with statements from several representatives underscoring the delicate situation regarding bilateral relations.

Reacting to certain comments, a high-ranking Cuban official declared that "the governance model of Cuba is not up for negotiation."

Reports suggest that early stages of negotiations were initiated, although their current progress remains not publicly known.

The maritime authorities affirmed it was dedicated to using the full extent of its capabilities at its reach to find the vessels and guarantee the well-being of the sailors.

To date, there has been silence on the lost ships by the government in Havana.