Mexican Navy Locates Missing Aid Boats En Route to Cuba

On March 28, 2026, the Mexican Navy successfully located two sailboats, the *Friend Ship* and *Tiger Moth*, that had gone missing while transporting humanitarian aid from Isla Mujeres, Mexico, to Havana, Cuba. The vessels were found approximately 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana after a search operation was initiated due to a loss of communication with the boats. The nine crew members aboard were reported to be safe and in good health, having experienced delays due to adverse weather conditions.

United Press International (UPI)Mexico launches major search operation as two aid boats missing en route to CubaMissing Cuba-bound aid boats located, crew reported safeMexican Navy Locates Two Sailboats Carrying Aid to CubaBoston Herald

The sailboats were part of the *Nuestra América Convoy*, an international initiative comprising nearly 300 organizations from over 30 countries, including non-governmental groups, unions, and political parties. The convoy aims to deliver essential supplies, such as food, medicine, and baby formula, to Cuba, which is currently facing severe shortages exacerbated by a U.S. blockade on oil and other goods. The convoy had already delivered approximately 20 tons of aid to Cuba prior to the incident.

Mexican Navy Finds Missing Aid Boats Bound for Cuba, All Crew Members SafeCNNMissing Cuba-bound aid boats found safe, journey resumesUsNews and World ReportMexican Navy searches for two missing sailboats carrying aid to Cuba

• March 20, 2026: The *Friend Ship* and *Tiger Moth* departed from Isla Mujeres, Mexico, carrying humanitarian supplies.

Mexican Navy Locates Two Sailboats Carrying Aid to Cuba

• March 24-25, 2026: The boats were expected to arrive in Havana but failed to do so, prompting concerns and the launch of a search operation.

CNN

• March 27, 2026: The Mexican Navy initiated a search-and-rescue mission after losing contact with the vessels.

People Magazine

• March 28, 2026: The Mexican Navy located the boats, confirming the crew's safety and resuming their journey to Havana.

Missing Cuba-bound aid boats located, crew reported safe

The Mexican Navy confirmed the successful location of the vessels, stating, "The crews are safe, and the vessels are continuing their journey to Havana." A spokesperson for the *Nuestra América Convoy* expressed relief at the news, emphasizing the importance of their mission to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had previously voiced concern over the missing boats and expressed gratitude for the efforts made to locate them.

2 missing boats carrying aid to Cuba have been found, Mexican navy saysMissing Cuba-bound aid boats found safe, journey resumesMissing Cuba-bound aid boats located, crew reported safeCNNBaltimore Sun

The *Nuestra América Convoy* has criticized U.S. policies that restrict Cuba's access to vital resources, arguing that the blockade has contributed to the humanitarian crisis on the island. The convoy's efforts are seen as a response to the worsening conditions faced by the Cuban population, which has suffered from prolonged power outages and shortages of essential supplies.

Missing Cuba-bound aid boats found safe, journey resumes

Initially, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that the vessels had safely transited to Cuba, but this statement was later retracted, leading to confusion regarding the status of the boats. The Mexican Navy clarified that it was leading the search efforts in coordination with Cuban authorities and had not confirmed any sightings prior to locating the vessels.

France 24

Following the successful location of the sailboats, they are expected to arrive in Havana shortly, where the humanitarian aid will be distributed to those in need. The ongoing situation highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises, particularly in regions affected by geopolitical tensions.

Mexican Navy searches for two missing sailboats carrying aid to Cuba