Mexico launches search for 2 missing sailboats with 9 crew

ANKARA

Mexico’s Navy has activated a search and rescue operation to locate two missing sailboats carrying nine crew members of different nationalities after losing contact en route to Cuba, local media reports said on Thursday.

The Navy, acting as the Coast Guard, said the vessels departed on March 20 from Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, heading to Havana with humanitarian aid.

Authorities reported that there has been “no communication or confirmation of their arrival to date.”

The sailboats were expected to arrive between March 24 and March 25.

The operation aims to locate the vessels and ensure the safety of those on board, in line with Mexico’s responsibility to safeguard human life at sea.

No further details were provided on the exact location of the search area or the nationalities of the crew members.