Two sailboats, carrying humanitarian aid and a nine-member crew, arrived safely in Cuba's capital, Havana, on 28/3. All on board, including a 4-year-old boy, were healthy, smiling, and gave a thumbs-up to signal that all was well.

"We are sorry for causing everyone concern. We were never truly in danger," Adnaan Stumo, the sailboat convoy's coordinator, told reporters.

Members of the aid sailboat convoy docking in Havana, Cuba, on 28/3. Photo: AP

The two vessels, named Friend Ship and Tiger Moth, departed from Mexico's Yucatan peninsula on 20/3. They were initially expected to reach Cuba on 24/3 or 25/3.

However, the Mexican Navy announced on 26/3 that it had launched a search operation after the boats lost communication. Organizers of the aid convoy later reported that the Mexican Navy located the vessels approximately 150 km northwest of Havana and dispatched a support ship.

Stumo explained that the crew agreed to take a longer route north after encountering strong easterly winds. Communication with the Mexican Navy was interrupted due to a damaged satellite connection device on board. The crew re-established contact with a Mexican Navy aircraft.

"We were not worried," Stumo said, noting that for sailboats, it is difficult to guarantee an exact arrival time. He also praised the 4-year-old boy in the group as a "resilient young sailor," emphasizing that their journey "was not overly difficult, just a bit circuitous."

One of the two aid sailboats from Mexico arriving in Havana on 28/3. Photo: AP

The crew included citizens from the United States, France, and Germany. "We are happy to bring crew members from various countries here to show solidarity and support for the Cuban people against the blockade," Stumo stated. Many Cuban government officials and citizens were present to welcome the convoy.

This operation is part of "Our America," an international humanitarian effort to support Cuba. The initiative addresses a United States oil blockade that has exacerbated the island nation's economic and energy crisis. Over 300 organizations from approximately 30 countries, including non-governmental groups, political parties, and lawmakers, are participating in this endeavor.

The boats transported shipments of medicine, food, hygiene products, and other essentials. The organization's initial shipments were transported by plane from Europe and the United States to Cuba last week. Additionally, a fishing boat, converted into an aid vessel, also departed Mexico last week and reached Cuba on 24/3.

In total, the aid convoy delivered over 50 tons of medical supplies, food, water, and solar panels to Cuba.

In January, the United States blocked most oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico to Cuba, causing a severe energy shortage on the island nation. This led to prolonged power outages and increased prices for food and transportation.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP)