Two Separate Cuba-bound Relief Ships Reported Unaccounted For after Leaving Mexican Waters.

A extensive rescue and recovery operation is currently ongoing in the Caribbean waters for a duo of unlocated sailboats loaded with humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to the island of Cuba.

Maritime Search Missions Launched

Mexico has sent navy personnel and reconnaissance aircraft to locate the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were had on board a minimum of 9 crew members, according to a military release.

The ships had been expected to make landfall in the Cuban capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no confirmation of their docking, the statement clarified.

The Situation of Relief to Cuba

The Caribbean nation has leaned on Mexico's over recent weeks, as the island endures multiple power outages across the country.

"Both crews and captains are seasoned mariners, and the two ships are fitted with appropriate navigational gear and signalling equipment," an official involved in the effort stated.

The nine individuals on board are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Mexico said it has opened communications with rescue coordination centers from the involved countries along with their diplomatic representatives.

"Our team is collaborating completely with the authorities and are still optimistic in the capability of the sailors to make it to Cuba without incident," the official further stated.

Earlier Aid Mission

Earlier in the week, the Cuban government publicly celebrated and greeted with fanfare another boat that had transported 14 tonnes of relief supplies to the country.

That boat, called "a modern Granma" following the name of the yacht in which the revolutionary leader landed in Cuba to begin the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century, brought solar equipment, medicines, infant formula, bikes and foodstuffs.

Larger International Backdrop

Volunteers and NGOs have been at the forefront of attempts to bring essential supplies to Cuba since January, a period which saw a oil sanctions on the Communist-run nation came into effect.

The United Nations have since warned of ""critical" shortages of supplies, with in excess of 50k surgeries cancelled in Cuba amid energy rationing.

Foreign policy measures have increased lately, with comments from different officials emphasizing the delicate nature of diplomatic ties.

Responding to recent comments, a senior government figure declared that "the governance model of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Accounts suggest that early stages of talks had begun, although their current progress remains unclear.

The Mexican navy stated it was dedicated to using every available asset at its disposal to locate the vessels and secure the safety of the crews.

As of now, there has been silence on the lost ships by the Cuban leadership.