The Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), through the Mexican Navy acting as a Coast Guard, activated the Marina Plan in its Search and Rescue (SAR) component to locate two sailboats with nine crew members of different nationalities, missing on their way to Havana, Cuba.
According to official information, the sailboats departed on March 20th from Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, transporting humanitarian aid; however, to date, there has been no communication or confirmation of their arrival.
Delayed arrival activates emergency protocols.
Authorities indicated that the sailboats were scheduled to arrive between March 24th and 25th, so, due to the lack of contact, search protocols were immediately activated, in compliance with the Mexican State's responsibility to safeguard human life at sea.
Naval deployment and national coordination.
As part of the operation, alerts were issued to the Naval Commands of the Fifth Naval Region and Ninth Naval Zone, based in Isla Mujeres and Yucalpetén, respectively, as well as to the Naval Search, Rescue, and Maritime Surveillance Stations (ENSAR).
Additionally, the maritime community was notified to expand location capabilities, and coordination was established with the Port Captaincy of Isla Mujeres and other technical bodies for the analysis of maritime information.
International operation for location.
The search also includes international coordination with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) of Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, as well as with the diplomatic representations of the crew members' countries of origin.
This information exchange aims to strengthen location efforts in real-time in a highly complex maritime area.
Aircraft and units in active search.
In the field, Semar deployed surface units and Persuader-type aircraft, conducting maritime and aerial search patterns in the estimated route between Isla Mujeres and Havana.
Operations consider the planned trajectory, possible deviations, and factors such as sea currents and weather conditions, with the aim of defining probable drift zones and increasing the chances of location.
Search expanded with international support in the Caribbean.
The Secretariat of the Navy called on the national and international maritime community—including commercial, fishing, and recreational vessels—to report any information that contributes to the location of the sailboats.
Actions are carried out under international search and rescue protocols, with a priority on protecting human life at sea.
The agency reiterated that it will continue to use all available resources until the vessels are located and the safety of their crew is guaranteed.
