Two Separate Cuba-bound Relief Ships Reported Lost after Leaving the Coast of Mexico.

A extensive search and rescue mission is actively under way in the Caribbean region for two lost sailing vessels transporting relief goods traveling from Mexico to Havana.

Maritime Search Operations Initiated

Authorities in Mexico has dispatched navy personnel and search planes to search for the missing boats, which were transporting at least nine total crew members, as stated by a official statement.

The boats had been projected to make landfall in Havana on the early part of the week, but there has been radio silence from them and zero verification of their arrival, authorities reported.

The Situation of Relief to the Nation

The Caribbean nation has leaned on Mexico's over the past few weeks, as the nation grapples with widespread nationwide blackouts.

"Both crews and captains are seasoned mariners, and both vessels are outfitted with proper navigational gear and communication devices," a representative for the convoy said.

The nine-person crew are from France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Mexican authorities said it has opened communications with coast guard agencies from the involved countries along with their consular staff.

"The group is co-operating fully with the authorities and are still optimistic in the capability of the sailors to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.

Earlier Humanitarian Mission

Just days before, the Cuban government widely celebrated and greeted with fanfare a separate vessel that had delivered 14 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the island.

That vessel, called "a modern Granma" after the yacht in which the revolutionary leader returned to Cuba to begin the revolution in the 1950s, carried solar panels, pharmaceuticals, infant formula, cycles and provisions.

Wider Political Climate

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded efforts to ship essential supplies to Cuba beginning in January, a period which saw a oil sanctions on the island nation came into effect.

The United Nations have since highlighted "dire" supply shortages, with over 50k operations cancelled in Cuba amid power shortages.

Foreign policy pressure have increased over the past months, with comments from various officials underscoring the complicated state of relations.

In response to recent comments, a senior Cuban official stated firmly that "the governance model of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Reports suggest that initial phases of talks had begun, although their present status remains uncertain.

The maritime authorities affirmed it was pledged to using every available asset at its reach to discover the vessels and guarantee the security of the crews.

To date, there has been no official comment on the lost ships by the Cuban leadership.