Search continues for two missing humanitarian aid sailboats traveling to Cuba

Two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico to Cuba remain missing after departing Isla Mujeres on March 21. The vessels, carrying a total of nine people of various nationalities, were expected to arrive in Havana between March 24 and March 25. The Mexican Navy is conducting search and rescue operations, involving CASA C-295 aircraft, while coordinating with authorities in France, Poland, Cuba, and the United States. While the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed they are on standby, they noted they have not received a formal request for assistance. Initial conflicting reports from a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson regarding the vessels' safe arrival were later retracted as incorrect. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that search efforts are ongoing as communication with the boats has not been established. Reports from other activists suggest that severe winds and strong currents in the region have complicated the transit.