Two catamarans carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico to Cuba under the Polish flag have not been heard from, prompting a search by Mexican authorities.
Missing Vessels and Search Efforts
Two catamarans departed Isla Mujeres, Mexico, on March 20th, carrying humanitarian aid destined for Havana, Cuba. They were expected to arrive on March 24th or 25th, but as of Wednesday evening, the Mexican Navy reported no confirmation of their arrival.
The Mexican Navy has initiated a search operation to locate the vessels. According to a statement and an article in the Colombian newspaper “El Tiempo,” citizens of several countries, including Poland, are onboard.
Polish Citizen Confirmation and US Coast Guard Report
Maciej Wewiór, a spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the ships are sailing under the Polish flag. However, he stated that information received by the consulate does not indicate any Polish citizens are among the crew.
The US Coast Guard initially reported to AFP that both ships had safely reached Cuba. However, the agency later retracted this statement, and the search continues.
Cuba’s Deepening Crisis
The missing vessels are part of the Nuestra America international humanitarian convoy. They carry approximately 50 tons of supplies, including food, medical materials, and solar panels.
Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis, largely due to the US embargo on oil imports from Venezuela and threats to other potential suppliers. The island is also still recovering from the devastating Hurricane Melissa, which struck in October and November 2025.
Healthcare System Paralysis
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated in a Wednesday interview with Canal Red that the deepening energy crisis is causing a paralysis of the healthcare system. Over 120,000 people are awaiting surgical procedures in hospitals.
Diaz-Canel emphasized that thousands of Cuban children are on the waiting list for operations. He explained that the healthcare system’s paralysis is due to a lack of supplies and electricity in hospitals, praising the resilience and resourcefulness of Cubans, noting an increasing reliance on coal or wood for cooking.
Cuba experienced two nationwide power outages in March. Despite repairs, regular, prolonged power and water outages continue in most regions.
