Two sailboats transporting humanitarian supplies from Mexico successfully reached Havana on Saturday, as confirmed by Mexico’s navy. The journey faced delays due to adverse weather conditions and a brief period of being unaccounted for. The navy verified the safe docking of the sailboats in the Cuban capital following close monitoring during their approach to the port. After being reported missing, a maritime surveillance aircraft located the sailboats about 148 kilometers northwest of Cuba on Friday.
Despite being hindered by unfavorable weather conditions, particularly strong winds, the crews onboard both sailboats reported being in good health. The vessels were part of a convoy aiming to provide essential items such as food, medicine, and baby formula to Cuba. This initiative was prompted by the U.S. blockade restricting the shipment of vital supplies, exacerbating power shortages and prompting service rationing by the Cuban government.
A spokesperson for the Nuestra America Convoy affirmed that the sailboats are continuing their journey towards Havana, emphasizing the convoy’s commitment to delivering crucial humanitarian aid to the Cuban people as planned. The sailboats originally departed from Mexico’s Isla Mujeres the previous Saturday and were anticipated to arrive in Havana between March 24 and 25.
Earlier reports from the U.S. Coast Guard to a French news agency claiming the boats had been located were later retracted, causing uncertainty as the search efforts continued. The Nuestra America coalition, consisting of nearly 300 organizations from over 30 countries, including non-governmental entities, unions, political parties, and lawmakers, has already delivered around 20 tonnes of aid to Cuba via air and sea. The aid packages included food, medicine, solar panels, and bicycles.