The convoy departed for Cuba with humanitarian aid. Photo: Reuters

The Mexican Navy, acting as the Coast Guard, activated Plan Marina on Thursday to deploy search and rescue operations to find two sailboats with nine crew members of different nationalities.

The vessels departed Mexico on March 20th, bound for Cuba, carrying humanitarian aid, and there is currently no information or confirmation of their arrival.

“According to available information, these vessels were scheduled to arrive between March 24th and 25th. Therefore, the corresponding protocols were immediately activated, in compliance with the Mexican State’s responsibility to safeguard human life at sea,” the Mexican government stated in a press release.

Authorities detailed that the Naval Commands of the Fifth Naval Region and the Ninth Naval Zone, based in Isla Mujeres and Yucalpetén, as well as the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Stations (ENSAR) of those commands, were alerted. Notices were also issued to the maritime community.

Constant communication is being maintained with shipping agencies and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) in Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, as well as with diplomatic missions of the countries of origin of the people on board.

Surface and air units have been deployed along the estimated route between Isla Mujeres and Havana, in addition to carrying out continuous monitoring, to increase the probability of locating the vessels.

The Secretariat of the Navy has called on the national and international maritime community, “including commercial, fishing, recreational vessels and platforms” operating in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, “in case of having information or sighting of the aforementioned vessels, report it immediately to the nearest naval authorities.” (CubaSí)