Two Missing Ships Carrying Aid to Cuba Found Safe
Over the weekend, Mexico’s Naval Secretariat (Semar) reported that two missing sailing vessels filled with “humanitarian aid” from Mexico to Cuba have been located and safely arrived in Havana.
Last Thursday, two yachts, with nine individuals onboard—including a three-year-old child—failed to reach Havana and were declared lost at sea. This prompted a search operation to find the boats and crew. The group consists of nationals from Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, according to reports.
The ships were part of the Nuestra América convoy, an initiative organized by various international leftist politicians and activists in support of Cuba’s communist regime, led by the Castros.
According to Semar, the yachts departed from Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo on March 20, aiming to arrive in Cuba between March 24 and 25. However, they failed to make contact as scheduled, raising alarms with Mexican officials.
On Saturday, Semar announced that the Mexican navy located both vessels and established communication with their crews after a plane spotted them about 80 nautical miles northwest of Cuba. One captain informed authorities that the crew was in good health, attributing the delay to inclement weather and headwinds.
Based on Semar’s statement, authorities informed the countries of the crew members about their safe status and provided escort from a Mexican Navy vessel to ensure their safe arrival in Cuba.
A spokesperson for the Nuestra América fleet confirmed the crew was safe and that the ships continued their journey to Havana, docking a few hours later. They emphasized the convoy’s commitment to delivering essential humanitarian aid.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, who represents Cuba’s communist government, celebrated the arrival of the boats and the “generous contribution of vital resources” in a social media post. He highlighted the youngest crewmember, the three-year-old girl, as a reminder that Cuba is not alone.
According to reports, the ships were received in Havana by Gerardo Hernández Nordero, leader of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), a grassroots organization known for monitoring citizens and reporting dissent. Hernández Nordero is also linked to the Cuban Five, a group involved in espionage activities, and was released from U.S. prison in 2014.
Adnan Stumo, representing the Nuestra América fleet, explained that the longer voyage was due to the adverse weather conditions affecting their original plans. He reiterated the group’s commitment to countering pressures from the U.S. government on the Cuban people.
As for future plans, the convoy’s organizers indicated they would head to Spain to prepare for another mission to the Gaza Strip after their time in Cuba. They framed this decision as an “act of resistance,” demonstrating solidarity in areas facing conflict and humanitarian crises.
This convoy aims to deliver aid in response to President Trump’s policies towards Cuba, although many observers point out that the problems faced by the island country stem from decades of poorly managed communist policies, which have led to widespread poverty and suffering. Many Cuban citizens and members of the political opposition have openly criticized this convoy.
Participants in this “humanitarian” mission also took time to enjoy the country, holding a concert just before a nationwide blackout, seemingly oblivious to the hardships faced by many locals. Videos on social media have shown some organizers encouraging Cuban children to dance in exchange for food, raising questions about the sincerity of their claims of support.
