Two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba have been located and their crews confirmed safe, a day after Mexican authorities launched a search operation for the missing vessels.
A spokesperson for the Nuestra America Convoy said the boats were found by the Mexican navy and are continuing their journey to Havana with urgently needed supplies.
The two vessels, carrying nine people, departed from Isla Mujeres in Mexico on March 20 and were expected to reach Cuba earlier this week.
The convoy, organised by the Nuestra America initiative, aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to Cuba amid worsening shortages of fuel and essential supplies. The group has criticised US policies, accusing Washington of restricting Cuba’s access to vital resources.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had earlier expressed concern over the missing boats. Authorities, including the US Coast Guard, later confirmed that the vessels had been located.
The aid mission comes as Cuba faces a deepening energy crisis, worsened by reduced oil supplies since January. The country has recently experienced multiple nationwide blackouts, raising concerns over healthcare and essential services.
Mexico and other countries have stepped up humanitarian assistance, with shipments of food, medicine and energy supplies being sent to the island.
With inputs from ALJAZEERA