A Pair of Cuba-bound Relief Ships Declared Lost after Leaving Mexican Waters.

A comprehensive rescue and recovery operation is currently in progress in the Caribbean region for two missing boats loaded with humanitarian supplies traveling from Mexico to Havana.

Military Search Efforts Deployed

Authorities in Mexico has deployed naval teams and reconnaissance aircraft to find the two vessels, which were transporting at least 9 personnel, as stated by a military release.

The ships had been expected to arrive in Cuba's capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been radio silence from them and no confirmation of their safe arrival, authorities reported.

Background of Relief to the Nation

The island nation has relied heavily on humanitarian shipments from Mexico over the past few weeks, as the island endures widespread national electricity failures.

"The skippers and their teams are seasoned mariners, and the two ships are equipped with appropriate safety systems and communication devices," a representative associated with the mission stated.

The nine crew members are citizens of France, Poland, the United States, and Cuba. Officials said it has been in touch with maritime rescue coordination centres from those nations along with their embassy officials.

"Our team is co-operating fully with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the crews' ability to make it to Cuba without incident," the spokesperson added.

Earlier Relief Delivery

Previously that week, the Cuban government widely celebrated and warmly received a separate vessel that had transported a significant amount of humanitarian aid to the island.

That boat, called "Granma 2.0" in reference to the yacht in which Fidel Castro came back to Cuba to launch the armed struggle in the 1950s, brought solar equipment, pharmaceuticals, formula milk, cycles and foodstuffs.

Larger Geopolitical Backdrop

Non-governmental organizations and volunteers have largely spearheaded initiatives to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba since January, coinciding with the time a oil sanctions on the Communist-run nation came into effect.

The United Nations have since highlighted ""critical" lack of essential goods, with more than 50,000 surgeries cancelled in Cuba because of power shortages.

Political tensions have increased lately, with comments from several leaders highlighting the delicate state of relations.

Responding to certain proposals, a senior government figure declared that "the political system of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Accounts suggest that initial phases of negotiations had begun, although their present status remains unclear.

The Mexican navy said it was committed to using the full extent of its capabilities at its reach to discover the vessels and secure the safety of the sailors.

As of now, there has been no official comment on the missing boats by the Cuban government.