Two Separate Cuba-bound Aid Vessels Listed Lost after Setting Sail from Mexican Waters.

A extensive rescue and recovery operation is actively under way in the Caribbean waters for two missing sailboats carrying humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to Cuba.

Naval Search and Rescue Operations Deployed

Authorities in Mexico has deployed naval teams and military search aircraft to locate the two vessels, which were carrying no fewer than 9 sailors, according to a official statement.

The ships had been scheduled to reach Cuba's capital on the early part of the week, but there has been no communication from them and no confirmation of their safe arrival, the navy said.

Background of Humanitarian Support to the Island

The Caribbean nation has depended significantly on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over the past few weeks, as the nation struggles through repeated national electricity failures.

"The captains and crews are experienced sailors, and both vessels are equipped with appropriate safety systems and signalling equipment," a spokesperson associated with the mission said.

The nine individuals on board are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Officials said it has been in touch with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their consular staff.

"Our team is working closely with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the capability of the sailors to reach Havana safely," the statement continued.

Earlier Humanitarian Mission

Earlier in the week, the government in Havana publicly celebrated and officially received a separate vessel that had transported a significant amount of humanitarian aid to the country.

That vessel, called "a modern Granma" following the name of the vessel in which the revolutionary leader returned to Cuba to begin the revolution in the mid-20th century, brought solar panels, pharmaceuticals, baby formula, cycles and foodstuffs.

Larger International Context

Charity groups and individuals have primarily led attempts to deliver critical assistance to Cuba since January, coinciding with the time a fuel embargo on the country began.

The United Nations have since highlighted "dire" lack of essential goods, with more than 50k operations cancelled in Cuba due to electricity supply constraints.

Political measures have been ramped up lately, with comments from various officials emphasizing the delicate state of diplomatic ties.

In response to recent proposals, a senior official from Cuba insisted that "the political system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Indications suggest that early stages of discussions were initiated, although their ongoing development remains uncertain.

The Mexican navy stated it was pledged to using all of the resources at its disposal to find the vessels and ensure the security of the sailors.

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