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First Ship in International Aid Flotilla Reaches Cuba

The arrival signals outside support during a worsening power and fuel crisis tied to new U.S. pressure.

Overview

  • The shrimp trawler Maguro, which docked Tuesday in Havana, carried medical supplies, food and solar panels, with two more ships due in the coming days.
  • The Nuestra América mission plans about 50 tonnes of aid by sea and air, and organizers say initial shipments flew in last week from Europe and the United States.
  • The vessel left Mexico’s Yucatán on Friday with 32 people aboard and, after heavy weather and an overheating engine, received a partial escort from a Mexican navy ship.
  • Cuba has endured seven nationwide blackouts since late 2024, including two last week, and residents face soaring fuel prices, scarce public transport and stalled trash collection.
  • Organizers present the convoy as relief and a stand against a de facto U.S. oil squeeze that followed suspended Venezuelan crude and sanction threats, while some Cuban exiles call it a political show that helps the government.