Two Separate Cuba-Headed Aid Ships Reported Missing after Departing Mexican Waters.

A comprehensive rescue and recovery operation is currently under way in the Caribbean waters for a duo of unlocated sailboats loaded with relief goods traveling from Mexico to the island of Cuba.

Naval Search and Rescue Missions Deployed

Authorities in Mexico has deployed naval assets and reconnaissance aircraft to locate the two vessels, which were carrying at least 9 sailors, as stated by a navy statement.

The boats had been scheduled to arrive in Havana on the early part of the week, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no official word of their docking, the statement clarified.

Context of Relief to Cuba

Cuba has relied heavily on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over the past few weeks, as the country grapples with widespread national electricity failures.

"The skippers and their teams are veteran seafarers, and both vessels are outfitted with suitable navigational gear and communication devices," an official involved in the effort said.

The nine-person crew are citizens of Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Officials said it has established contact with maritime rescue coordination centres from the involved countries along with their diplomatic representatives.

"Our team is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities and remain confident in the capability of the sailors to reach Havana safely," the official further stated.

Earlier Aid Shipment

Just days before, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and officially received another boat that had transported 14 tons of relief supplies to the country.

That ship, dubbed "a modern Granma" after the boat in which Fidel Castro returned to Cuba to start the revolution in the mid-20th century, carried photovoltaic panels, drugs, formula milk, bikes and provisions.

Larger Geopolitical Backdrop

Charity groups and individuals have largely spearheaded attempts to deliver critical assistance to Cuba beginning in January, a period which saw a fuel embargo on the island nation was initiated.

Global bodies have since highlighted "dire" lack of essential goods, with in excess of 50,000 operations cancelled in Cuba amid power shortages.

Diplomatic measures have intensified over the past months, with statements from different representatives underscoring the complicated nature of bilateral relations.

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

Accounts suggest that initial phases of negotiations were initiated, although their current progress remains unclear.

The Mexican navy affirmed it was dedicated to using every available asset at its disposal to locate the boats and secure the security of the sailors.

As of now, there has been silence on the lost ships by the government in Havana.