Missing Aid Boats Found and Safely in Havana

The Mexican Navy confirmed on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that the two missing sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba have been located. Hours after the initial discovery, both vessels—the Friend Ship and the Tiger Moth—arrived safely in Havana Bay, ending a four-day period of silence that had sparked international concern.

The Search and Discovery

The boats had been out of contact since Tuesday, leading the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) to launch a massive search-and-rescue operation involving Persuader-type aircraft and surface vessels.

• The Location: A naval aircraft spotted the sailboats approximately 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) northwest of Havana.
• The Cause of Delay: Convoy coordinators and the Mexican Navy attributed the loss of contact to severe weather conditions in the Caribbean. The crews reportedly had to take a longer, safer route to navigate the rough seas, which delayed their arrival and disrupted their radio communication.
• Navy Escort: Once located, a Mexican Navy ship rendezvoused with the sailboats and escorted them through the final leg of their journey into the port of Havana.

The “Nuestra América” Convoy

The two sailboats are part of the Nuestra América Convoy, an international grassroots effort organized by the Progressive International and nearly 300 other organizations from 30 countries.

• The Cargo: The mission is delivering 50 tons of critical supplies, including medical equipment, baby formula, rice, beans, and solar panels.
• The Mission: Organizers described the convoy as a direct response to the “humanitarian collapse” in Cuba following the U.S. fuel blockade imposed in early 2026.
• The Crew: The nine people on board include activists and experienced sailors from several countries, including the United States, France, Poland, and Cuba.

Context: The Crisis in Cuba

The successful arrival of the aid provides a small measure of relief to an island currently facing its worst energy and economic crisis in decades.

• The Blockade: Following the January ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. administration implemented a “de facto oil blockade,” cutting off Cuba’s primary source of fuel and causing the national power grid to collapse multiple times in March alone.
• Regional Support: While the U.S. maintains its “maximum pressure” campaign, countries like Mexico have stepped up aid. A separate Mexican Navy ship, the Huasteco, arrived in Havana on Friday with an additional 111 tons of food.