Two humanitarian boats bound for Cuba go missing, Mexico launches rescue operation

Mexico’s navy activated a search-and-rescue operation for two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba after they failed to arrive in Havana on schedule; nine crew members of various nationalities were aboard, and the vessels departed Isla Mujeres last week with an expected March 24–25 arrival. The boats are part of the Nuestra America Convoy delivering rice, baby wipes, beans, baby formula, medicine and energy-related goods amid Cuba’s power outages and economic crisis; another convoy vessel arrived in Havana, and authorities are coordinating with maritime rescue centers in Poland, France, Cuba and the U.S., plus the countries of origin.