Two Cuba-Destined Humanitarian Ships Reported Lost following Departing Mexico.

A extensive rescue and recovery operation is currently in progress in the Caribbean waters for two unlocated sailboats transporting humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to the island of Cuba.

Military Rescue Operations Launched

Authorities in Mexico has dispatched naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to find the two vessels, which were transporting no fewer than nine total sailors, per a military release.

The boats had been scheduled to arrive in the Cuban capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no official word of their arrival, authorities reported.

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 island grapples with repeated nationwide blackouts.

"Both skippers and their teams are seasoned mariners, and each boat are outfitted with suitable safety systems and communication devices," an official associated with the mission commented.

The nine crew members are nationals of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Officials said it has been in touch with rescue coordination centers from each country along with their embassy officials.

"Our team is working closely with the authorities and remain confident in the ability of the crews to make it to Cuba without incident," the statement continued.

Previous Aid Delivery

Earlier in the week, the Cuban authorities widely celebrated and officially received a different ship that had carried a significant amount of donated goods to the island.

That ship, dubbed "a modern Granma" after the yacht in which Castro landed in Cuba to begin the armed struggle in the 1950s, brought solar panels, medicines, infant formula, cycles and provisions.

Larger Political Climate

Charity groups and individuals have largely spearheaded attempts to ship critical assistance to Cuba since January, coinciding with the time a energy blockade on the island nation came into effect.

The United Nations have since highlighted ""severe" shortages of supplies, with over 50,000 operations called off in Cuba because of electricity supply constraints.

Diplomatic tensions have been ramped up lately, with statements from various officials highlighting the complicated nature of relations.

Responding to recent proposals, a prominent official from Cuba stated firmly that "the socialist system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Reports suggest that initial phases of talks were initiated, although their ongoing development remains unclear.

The naval forces stated it was pledged to using every available asset at its reach to find the vessels and ensure the safety of the crews.

To date, there has been no official comment on the disappeared vessels by the Cuban government.