The Mexican Navy (Semar) has activated a large-scale search and rescue operation following the disappearance of two sailboats carrying vital humanitarian aid to Cuba. The vessels, part of an international solidarity initiative, lost all contact with Mexican authorities over the weekend.

Timeline of the Disappearance

The sailboats departed on March 20 from Isla Mujeres, in the state of Quintana Roo, with a total crew of nine people. Their arrival at the port of Havana was scheduled between March 24 and 25, but they never reached their destination.

According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, during her morning press conference on March 27, the last communication with the ships occurred shortly after a Mexican Navy flagship, escorting a larger convoy, lost track of them in international waters.

Search and Rescue Operation (ENSAR)

Semar has deployed surface and aerial units, including Persuader type aircraft, to track the estimated route between Quintana Roo and western Cuba. Protocols for the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Stations (ENSAR) are on maximum alert.

“Protocol was immediately activated in compliance with the Mexican State’s responsibility to safeguard human life at sea,” the Navy’s official statement says.

The Context of Aid: “Nuestra América Convoy”

The disappearance of these two sailboats occurs at a critical moment for the island, which is facing a severe energy blockade and an unprecedented shortage of basic supplies. The vessels were carrying a significant cargo of:

Critical medicines and disposable hospital supplies.
Baby formula and non-perishable food.
Small solar panels for community centers affected by blackouts.

Although the international brigade’s flagship successfully arrived in Havana on March 24, the loss of these two sailboats is a significant emotional and logistical blow to the solidarity organizations that organized the “Nuestra América Convoy.”

Uncertainty About the Crew

Family members of the nine crew members on board are anxiously awaiting news. Mexican authorities have alerted naval commands of the Fifth Naval Region and the Ninth Naval Zone to expand the search radius.

Maritime experts suggest that adverse weather conditions or technical failures in communication systems could have contributed to the incident, although other hypotheses are not ruled out given the political tension and increased maritime surveillance in the Florida Straits.

International Reactions

The Cuban government has expressed its concern and has made its own coast guard resources available to assist in locating the sailboats within its territorial waters. Meanwhile, diaspora sectors in Mexico and other countries in the region are closely following the developments, highlighting the bravery of those attempting to bring relief amidst the diplomatic storm surrounding the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and from where did the missing sailboats depart?
They departed on March 20, 2026, from Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

How many people were on board the vessels?
A total of nine crew members between the two sailboats are reported.

What aid were the sailboats carrying to Cuba?
They were carrying medicines, baby formula, food, and solar panels as part of the “Nuestra América” convoy.

What does the Mexican government say about the search?
President Sheinbaum confirmed that the Navy is using Persuader aircraft and ENSAR protocols to locate them.

Did any part of the convoy reach Havana?
Yes, the international brigade’s flagship successfully arrived on March 24.

What was the expected arrival date of the sailboats?
They were expected to dock in Havana between March 24 and March 25, 2026.