Two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico to Cuba have been located after briefly disappearing at sea, with all crew members confirmed safe, according to the Mexican Navy and organisers of the aid mission.
The vessels — Tiger Moth and Friend Ship — had lost communication after departing from Isla Mujeres last week with nine people on board, prompting a search-and-rescue operation launched by Mexican naval authorities.
Mexican authorities said one of the navy’s surveillance aircraft eventually located both sailboats approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana.
According to officials, radio contact has now been re-established with the vessels, while a naval ship has been dispatched to the area to provide assistance and escort them safely onward. Reuters reported that rough weather and strong winds likely contributed to the delay in their voyage.
A spokesperson for the Our America Convoy — the international humanitarian coalition behind the mission — said the discovery of the vessels brought relief to organisers and supporters.
“We are relieved to confirm that the two sailboats have been located by the Mexican Navy, the crews are safe, and the vessels are continuing their journey to Havana,” the spokesperson said.
The convoy is delivering urgently needed supplies to Cuba, including food, medicines, baby formula, solar panels, and other essential goods, as the island continues to grapple with severe shortages and prolonged energy challenges.
Organisers said the broader aid mission remains on course despite the temporary communication loss.
“The convoy remains on track to complete its mission — delivering urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people,” the spokesperson added.
Neither Mexican authorities nor convoy officials have yet disclosed the exact cause of the communication breakdown or when the two vessels are expected to arrive in Havana.
The sailboats had originally been expected to reach Cuba earlier in the week, while another aid vessel from the same convoy arrived safely days earlier after weather-related delays.
The incident had earlier raised concern internationally, with Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly expressing concern and confirming that Cuban authorities were working closely with Mexico during the search.
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