The Mexican Navy reports that it has activated a search and rescue operation to locate two sailboats with nine crew members of different nationalities that departed from Mexico on March 20 bound for Cuba.
In a statement, the institution indicated that so far there has been no communication or confirmation of the arrival of the two vessels, which departed from Isla Mujeres, in the state of Quintana Roo, carrying supplies for the island as part of the Nuestra América Convoy.
The ships “were scheduled to arrive between March 24 and 25, so the corresponding protocols were immediately activated, in compliance with the Mexican State’s responsibility to safeguard human life at sea,” the statement noted.
As part of the implemented actions, the Naval Commands of the Fifth Naval Region and the Ninth Naval Zone, headquartered in Isla Mujeres and Yucalpetén, were alerted, as were the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Stations under those commands.
In addition, authorities issued notices to the maritime community to enhance search capabilities.
Inter-institutional coordination was also established with the Port Captaincy of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, as well as with technical agencies for maritime information analysis, “which strengthens operational planning and optimizes decision-making.”
International coordination is being maintained through communication with shipping agencies and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers in Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, as well as with diplomatic missions from the countries of origin of the missing individuals.
The Navy also deployed surface and air units, including Persuader aircraft, which are conducting maritime and aerial search patterns along the estimated route between Isla Mujeres and Havana, taking into account the planned course.
In addition, potential points of change of course, as well as weather conditions and ocean currents in the area, are being considered.
The source added that continuous monitoring and analysis of available information are being maintained, allowing for updates to the search action plan and the identification of probable drift zones.
The Secretariat called on the national and international maritime community, including commercial, fishing, and recreational vessels, as well as platforms in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, to immediately report any information or sightings of the vessels to the authorities.
IMAGE CREDIT: The first of three boats arrived safely to Cuba. Photo: Nuestra American Convoy
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
