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Two vessels loaded with humanitarian aid and carrying nine people on board - including a three-year-old child - have been missing in the Caribbean for several days after setting sail for Cuba, with no trace of their arrival so far.
The alert was confirmed by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), which activated an emergency operation due to the lack of communication with the sailboats, whose arrival was expected between March 24 and 25.
In an official statement, the institution reported that "the Plan Marina has been activated in its Search and Rescue (SAR) component, with the aim of locating two sailing vessels with 9 crew members of different nationalities," who departed from Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, heading to Havana.
Authorities acknowledged that, despite the time that has passed, “so far there has been no communication or confirmation of their arrival”, which has heightened concerns about the crew members' condition.
A solidarity trip that ended in uncertainty
The vessels were part of the convoy “Nuestra América”, an initiative by activists that transported humanitarian aid to Cuba amidst the severe economic crisis the island is facing.
The group was transporting nearly 30 tons of supplies, including food, medicine, hygiene products, and solar panels.
Although other ships in the convoy managed to reach their destination, these two sailboats fell behind after postponing their departure due to adverse weather conditions.
According to data released by the EFE agency, there were two women, six men, and a three-year-old minor on board.
In light of the lack of news within the expected timeframe, the Mexican Navy immediately activated its response mechanisms.
The institution emphasized that the decision is based on its duty to protect lives at sea: "the corresponding protocols were activated immediately, in compliance with the Mexican state's responsibility to safeguard human life at sea."
The operation includes a extensive deployment of naval and aerial resources along the estimated route between Mexico and Cuba.
According to SEMAR, "the deployment of surface and aerial units has been carried out, including Persuader-type aircraft" , which execute search patterns taking into account ocean currents, weather conditions, and possible course changes.
In addition, the authorities maintain "ongoing monitoring and continuous analysis of the available information," with the aim of adjusting the search areas and increasing the chances of locating individuals.
The search has also activated mechanisms for international cooperation. Mexico is maintaining communication with maritime rescue centers and authorities from various countries.
According to the statement, there is coordination with authorities from Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, “in order to strengthen cooperation and real-time information exchange.”
In parallel, the Coast Guard has requested support from those navigating in the area.
The institution made “a respectful call to the national and international maritime community (...) to report immediately if they have any information or sightings of the mentioned vessels.”
As the search efforts continue, the case keeps relatives, activists, and authorities on edge in a race against time.
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