Missing Cuba aid boats located

HAVANA: Two sailboats that disappeared while taking humanitarian aid from Mexico to Cuba have been located by the Mexican Navy and the crews are safe, organisers and Mexican authorities said. The Mexican Navy announced a search and rescue mission on Thursday after losing communication with the vessels, which left from Isla Mujeres in southeast Mexico last week with nine people aboard. The Navy said that one of its aircraft spotted the sailboats 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana. The Navy added on social media platform X that it is in communication via radio with the sailboats and a ship is on its way to the area 'to provide support.' The sailboats are part of an international convoy that has brought 50 tonnes 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. 'We are relieved to confirm that the two sailboats have been located by the Mexican Navy, the crews are safe, and the vessels are continuing their journey to Havana,' a spokesperson for Our America Convoy said. — AFP