A Pair of Cuba-Destined Relief Vessels Reported Missing after Departing the Coast of Mexico.

A comprehensive rescue and recovery operation is currently under way in the Caribbean waters for a duo of missing sailboats loaded with aid cargo traveling from the Mexican coast to Cuba.

Military Rescue Efforts Deployed

Authorities in Mexico has deployed naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to search for the two vessels, which were carrying at least 9 personnel, per a official statement.

The ships had been scheduled to reach Cuba's capital on Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no confirmation of their safe arrival, authorities reported.

The Situation of Relief to Cuba

Cuba has relied heavily on aid convoys from Mexico over recent weeks, as the country endures repeated power outages across the country.

"Both captains and crews are veteran seafarers, and both vessels are outfitted with appropriate safety equipment and communication devices," a representative involved in the effort said.

The nine-person crew are from Poland, France, Cuba and the US. Mexico said it has opened communications with rescue coordination centers from the involved countries along with their diplomatic representatives.

"Our team is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities and are still optimistic in the ability of the crews to safely arrive in Havana," the official further stated.

Earlier Humanitarian Mission

Earlier in the week, the government in Havana warmly welcomed and greeted with fanfare a separate vessel that had delivered 14 tons of donated goods to the country.

That ship, nicknamed "Granma 2.0" following the name of the vessel in which Castro came back to Cuba to begin the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century, delivered solar equipment, drugs, formula milk, bikes and food.

Broader Political Climate

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have been at the forefront of attempts to deliver essential supplies to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, when a fuel embargo on the country came into effect.

Global bodies have since raised alarms about "dire" supply shortages, with more than fifty thousand operations postponed in Cuba amid power shortages.

Foreign policy measures have increased over the past months, with remarks from several leaders highlighting the complex state of diplomatic ties.

Reacting to recent statements, a high-ranking Cuban official declared that "the socialist system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Reports suggest that preliminary steps of talks were initiated, although their ongoing development remains uncertain.

The naval forces affirmed it was dedicated to using the full extent of its capabilities at its command to locate the sailboats and secure the well-being of the sailors.

At this time, there has been no public statement on the lost ships by the Cuban government.