Mexican Navy Launches Search for Two Missing Sailboats with Nine Crew Members Bound for Cuba

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Navy has launched a search and rescue operation for two sailboats carrying nine crew members that went missing after departing for Cuba nearly a week ago.

The vessels left Isla Mujeres on March 20 bound for Havana as part of a humanitarian mission but failed to arrive as scheduled and have had no communication with their crews.

The Navy announced Thursday night that it activated its Search and Rescue (SAR) Plan Marina component to locate the two sailboats.

According to available information, the sailboats were expected to reach Havana between March 24 and 25. When they didn’t arrive, emergency protocols were initiated.

The vessels were part of the “Nuestra América” convoy, a civilian organization initiative transporting humanitarian aid to Cuba, which is facing a severe economic crisis characterized by shortages of basic products and constant blackouts.

These two sailboats were the last of the Mexican delegation that departed from Isla Mujeres with supplies destined for the Cuban population.

On board were two women, six men, and a three-year-old child. In total, the mission was transporting approximately 30 tons of aid, including food, medicine, hygiene products, and solar panels.

The voyage was initially scheduled for Friday, March 20, but was postponed to the following day due to adverse weather conditions.

With no news of their whereabouts, the Navy has deployed naval units and aircraft and is coordinating with various institutions to locate the vessels.