A SHIP laden with humanitarian aid from the governments of Mexico and Uruguay has arrived in Cuba to help ease the effects of the illegal US blockade.

The cargo of the ship, which sailed from a Mexican port, includes personal hygiene items and 1,700 tons of grains, powdered milk and other food, according to a statement published by Cuban media.

Food Industry Minister Alberto Lopez Diaz said the items had arrived “at a time of great economic hardship, exacerbated by the tightening of the blockade imposed on our country by the US government.”

The US has been ratcheting up pressure as it seeks an indictment against Cuba’s former president Raul Castro over his alleged role in the 1996 downing of four planes operated by Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. 

Mr Castro was defence minister at the time.

In a statement, Mr Lopez Diaz said that the aid delivered on Monday would be distributed “with the utmost responsibility and respect,” prioritising children, the elderly and vulnerable families.

Cuba’s economic and energy crises have deepened this year after the US launched an illegal and unprovoked attack on Venezuela in early January, during which 100 people were killed and President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores were kidnapped.

The attack halted critical oil shipments from Venezuela.

US President Donald Trump then threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.

A severe petrol shortage has persisted and widespread blackouts continue across the island.

Reiniel Morales was one of those who gathered as the ship docked in Havana.

He said: “Anything that comes in is good. 

“We have to find a way to counteract the blockade. And if there are any ships left in the world, the best thing they can do is help Cuba. Because it’s the Cuban people who are suffering.”