Two sailboats with nine people aboard that disappeared while transporting humanitarian supplies to Cuba have been located by Mexico's naval forces. The vessels lost communication after departing from Mexico on March 20, sparking international concern before being spotted northwest of Havana.
Mexican naval forces announced Saturday they have successfully located two sailboats that disappeared while transporting humanitarian supplies to Cuba, ending days of concern across multiple nations.
The two vessels, carrying nine individuals total, had set sail from Isla Mujeres in southern Mexico on March 20 before losing all communication with authorities, prompting widespread worry throughout Mexico, Cuba, and the international community.
According to a Saturday morning announcement on X by Mexico’s navy, military aircraft discovered the boats positioned 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) northwest of Cuba’s capital, Havana. Naval officials confirmed they immediately dispatched a rescue vessel to assist the sailboats.
Cuba has been receiving growing amounts of international humanitarian assistance as a U.S. fuel embargo continues to trigger devastating power outages, bringing the island nation dangerously close to economic collapse.
The aid organization Nuestra América Convoy had indicated Friday that calculations based on the vessels’ reported speeds to Cuban maritime officials suggested the boats should reach Havana sometime between Friday and Saturday. The group emphasized that seasoned mariners were leading the expedition.
James Schneider, who serves as communications director for Progressive International and assisted in organizing the Nuestra America convoy mission to Cuba, expressed gratitude to both Mexican and Cuban officials Saturday while sharing his relief about the crews’ safety.
“The crews are safe, and the vessels are continuing their journey to Havana,” he said. “The convoy remains on track to complete its mission — delivering urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people.”