Two Cuba-Headed Humanitarian Ships Listed Missing after Departing Mexican Waters.

A comprehensive search and rescue operation is actively in progress in the Caribbean waters for a pair of missing boats loaded with humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to Havana.

Military Rescue Efforts Launched

The Mexican government has sent naval assets and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were carrying no fewer than 9 crew members, per a official statement.

The boats had been expected to arrive in Havana on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and zero verification of their docking, authorities reported.

Background of Humanitarian Support to the Island

The Caribbean nation has leaned on Mexico's over the past few weeks, as the nation grapples with widespread power outages across the country.

"Both crews and captains are experienced sailors, and both vessels are equipped with suitable safety systems and signalling equipment," an official for the convoy said.

The nine crew members are nationals of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Mexico said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from each country along with their consular staff.

"We are co-operating fully with the officials and remain confident in the crews' ability to make it to Cuba without incident," the spokesperson added.

Previous Humanitarian Mission

Previously that week, the Cuban government publicly celebrated and warmly received a different ship that had transported a significant amount of relief supplies to the island.

That boat, called "a new Granma" after the boat in which Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to begin the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century, brought photovoltaic panels, medicines, formula milk, cycles and provisions.

Broader Political Climate

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have been at the forefront of attempts to ship humanitarian aid to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, coinciding with the time a oil sanctions on the Communist-run nation began.

The United Nations have since warned of "dire" lack of essential goods, with in excess of 50k surgeries cancelled in Cuba amid energy rationing.

Political tensions have been ramped up over the past months, with comments from several officials highlighting the complicated situation regarding diplomatic ties.

In response to recent comments, a senior Cuban official insisted that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."

Accounts suggest that early stages of talks had begun, although their present status remains uncertain.

The Mexican navy affirmed it was pledged to using every available asset at its command to discover the boats and ensure the safety of the people on board.

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