Mexico searches for Cuba-bound aid boats

The Mexico — Secretariat of the Navy launched a search-and-rescue operation in the Caribbean for two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba. The vessels, part of the Nuestra America Convoy, departed Isla Mujeres, Mexico, last week with nine crew members and were expected to arrive in Havana between March 24 and 25 but failed to communicate or arrive. Cuba is experiencing a severe economic and energy crisis, partly due to a tightened United States embargo. Mexico has contacted maritime rescue coordination centers in Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, as well as diplomatic representatives of the crew's countries of origin.