— The United States Coast Guard was informed today that both ships arrived safely in Cuba, AFP reported, citing alleged information from guard spokesman Anthony Randisi.
A moment later, however, a new statement appeared for Reuters, denying these reports. According to the Coast Guard, they were false and the search is still ongoing.
The catamarans set sail on March 20 from the city of Isla Mujeres in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. As the Mexican Navy said on the government's website on Wednesday evening, the units were scheduled to arrive in Havana on March 24 or 25, but “no message or confirmation has been received that they have arrived at their destination.”
Two catamarans disappeared on their way to Cuba. There were supposed to be Poles on board
The ships carried two crews composed of several activists of different nationalities. The Colombian daily “El Tiempo” wrote that these were citizens of Poland, France, Cuba and the USA. Among those swimming were six men, two women and a 3-year-old child.
Late on Friday afternoon, Maciej Wewiór, spokesman for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the media that the ministry had confirmed that the missing boats that sailed from Mexico with humanitarian aid for Cuba had the Polish flag. – However, there is no confirmation of the information about the Polish crew – he emphasized.
As part of the search, the Mexican side sent several units that conducted sea and air searches along the likely route between Isla Mujeres and Havana. The planned course, possible points of change, as well as the weather conditions and sea currents prevailing in the region were taken into account.
The Mexican Navy stressed that it was in contact with shipping agencies and authorities responsible for maritime rescue in Poland, France, Cuba and the United States, as well as with the diplomatic missions of the countries of origin of the people on board the two yachts.
Cuba is in crisis. Humanitarian aid sent to the island
The found units are the next ones that sailed to Cuba as part of the international humanitarian convoy Nuestra America. So far, approximately 30 tons of cargo have been transported, including food, medicines, hygiene products and solar panels.
Cuba is struggling with a deepening economic crisis, which is largely the result of the US embargo on oil imports from Venezuela and threats against other possible suppliers of the raw material. In addition, the island is still struggling with the effects of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, which hit it at the turn of October and November 2025.
