Missing Aid Sailboats Arrive Safely in Havana

Two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba, which had been reported missing at sea for several days, safely arrived in Havana on Saturday afternoon, concluding a tense multinational search operation amid adverse weather conditions.

The vessels, named Friendship and Tiger Moth, entered Havana Bay through its entrance channel at 4 p.m. local time, guided by harbor pilots. They were the final boats in the international Nuestra América Convoy to reach the port. The sailboats departed from Isla Mujeres in Mexico's Quintana Roo state on March 20, carrying nine crew members in total and approximately two tons of aid, including medical supplies for Cuba's healthcare system. Powered solely by wind, the boats experienced significant delays due to unfavorable weather and strong headwinds, leading to a loss of communication starting around March 23.

Mexican naval authorities launched an aerial search on Friday and located the vessels about 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana. A Mexican navy aircraft made contact, and a support ship provided assistance, including medical evaluations that confirmed all crew members were in good health. Cuban maritime officials coordinated closely with...