Two Separate Cuba-bound Aid Ships Listed Unaccounted For following Leaving Mexican Waters.

A large-scale rescue and recovery effort is presently under way in the Caribbean Sea for two missing boats loaded with humanitarian supplies traveling from the Mexican coast to the island of Cuba.

Naval Rescue Operations Deployed

The Mexican government has sent naval assets and search planes to locate the missing boats, which were carrying at least nine personnel, per a navy statement.

The vessels had been expected to arrive in Cuba's capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no confirmation of their docking, authorities reported.

Background of Aid to Cuba

Cuba has relied heavily on aid convoys from Mexico over recent weeks, as the nation endures widespread nationwide blackouts.

"Both captains and crews are experienced sailors, and each boat are outfitted with appropriate safety equipment and communication devices," an official for the convoy commented.

The nine individuals on board are nationals of Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Mexico said it has established contact with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their embassy officials.

"The group is co-operating fully with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the ability of the crews to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.

Recent Aid Mission

Previously that week, the Cuban government publicly celebrated and officially received a different ship that had carried 14 tons of humanitarian aid to the country.

That ship, dubbed "a modern Granma" in reference to the boat in which Castro landed in Cuba to begin the revolution in the 1950s, delivered solar panels, pharmaceuticals, infant formula, bicycles and food.

Wider Political Backdrop

Charity groups and individuals have primarily led efforts to ship critical assistance to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, a period which saw a fuel embargo on the Communist-run nation was initiated.

International organizations have since highlighted "dire" supply shortages, with more than 50,000 operations cancelled in Cuba because of electricity supply constraints.

Diplomatic tensions have increased lately, with remarks from different officials underscoring the delicate nature of diplomatic ties.

Responding to recent proposals, a high-ranking government figure declared that "the socialist system of Cuba is not up for negotiation."

Accounts suggest that initial phases of discussions commenced, although their ongoing development remains unclear.

The Mexican navy stated it was pledged to using all of the resources at its reach to discover the sailboats and secure the safety of the people on board.

To date, there has been no public statement on the missing boats by the government in Havana.