The United States has confirmed that two missing sailboats carrying nine people and humanitarian aid to Cuba have safely arrived. The vessels, which departed from Isla Mujeres, Mexico, on March 20, had been the subject of a search operation by the Mexican navy.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had expressed concern for the crews, stating that Cuba was doing everything possible in the search and rescue. The boats were carrying aid amid a severe fuel blockade by the US, which has caused widespread blackouts and economic hardship in Cuba.
The organisation Nuestra América Convoy, which organised the aid mission, reported that the boats were expected to arrive in Havana between Friday and Saturday. The organisation had made an open call for information on the vessels' whereabouts.
Both vessels are equipped with safety systems and signalling equipment, and the crews are experienced sailors. A first vessel from the Convoy, carrying 14 tonnes of food, medicine, solar panels and bicycles, arrived in Havana on Tuesday.
The Mexican navy had coordinated search efforts with rescue centres in Poland, France, Cuba and the US, deploying navy vessels and aircraft along the estimated route. The safe arrival of the boats has now been confirmed by US authorities.
