Two Separate Cuba-Destined Relief Ships Reported Missing after Departing the Coast of Mexico.

A comprehensive search and recovery mission is currently under way in the Caribbean Sea for two unlocated sailboats carrying relief goods traveling from the Mexican coast to the island of Cuba.

Military Search Missions Deployed

The Mexican government has dispatched navy personnel and military search aircraft to search for the Friendship and Tigger Moth, which were carrying a minimum of nine sailors, per a official statement.

The boats had been scheduled to arrive in Cuba's capital on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but there has been a complete lack of contact from them and no confirmation of their arrival, the statement clarified.

The Situation of Humanitarian Support to the Island

The island nation has relied heavily on Mexico's over recent weeks, as the country endures multiple power outages across the country.

"Both skippers and their teams are experienced sailors, and each boat are fitted with suitable safety systems and signalling equipment," a spokesperson for the convoy said.

The nine individuals on board are citizens of the United States, Cuba, France, and Poland. Officials said it has opened communications with maritime rescue coordination centres from those nations along with their consular staff.

"The group is co-operating fully with the officials and continue to be hopeful in the crews' ability to safely arrive in Havana," the statement continued.

Recent Aid Mission

Earlier in the week, the government in Havana widely celebrated and officially received a separate vessel that had carried a significant amount of humanitarian aid to the island.

That boat, nicknamed "a new Granma" following the name of the vessel in which Fidel Castro came back to Cuba to start the revolution in the mid-20th century, delivered photovoltaic panels, medicines, baby formula, bikes and food.

Larger Political Backdrop

Volunteers and NGOs have largely spearheaded efforts to bring critical assistance to Cuba starting at the turn of the year, a period which saw a fuel embargo on the Communist-run nation was initiated.

International organizations have since warned of ""critical" supply shortages, with over 50k operations cancelled in Cuba because of power shortages.

Political tensions have been ramped up over the past months, with comments from different officials highlighting the delicate nature of bilateral relations.

In response to recent statements, a senior official from Cuba declared that "the governance model of Cuba is not subject to discussion."

Accounts suggest that initial phases of talks commenced, although their present status remains uncertain.

The naval forces affirmed it was pledged to using the full extent of its capabilities at its reach to locate the boats and ensure the security of the crews.

To date, there has been silence on the lost ships by the government in Havana.