Missing aid boats safely crossed to Cuba, US coastguard says

Two aid boats bound for Cuba that were feared missing after they set sail from Mexico have “safely transited” to the island, the US coastguard said on Friday.

The Mexican Navy had reported on Thursday that it launched a search and rescue mission after losing communication with the vessels, which had left from Isla Mujeres in southeast Mexico on March 20 with nine people aboard.

The US coastguard, which was not involved in the search efforts, said on Friday it had received a report at 10.36am that “the two vessels safely transited to Cuba”.

The sailing boats are part of an international convoy that has brought 50 tonnes (55 tons) of medical supplies, food, solar panels and other goods to support Cuba as a US fuel blockade has deepened the communist-ruled island’s energy and economic crisis.

The first shipments arrived by plane from Europe and the United States last week as part of Our America Convoy to Cuba.

A fishing boat that was converted into an aid vessel, which had also left Mexico last Friday, arrived in Cuba on Tuesday, a few days later than planned due to unfavourable weather, currents and battery issues.