Haiti Relief Supplies Sink in Cuban Waters

A barge carrying enough supplies to build 1,000 homes for earthquake-ravaged Haiti, broke loose and drifted into Cuban waters, eventually spilling into the ocean, Fox News reports.

The Cubans attempted to tow it ashore but the line broke and the supplies, a bulldozer and three tractors spilled into the ocean, executives with Harbor Homes said.

"At the end of the day the Cuban government is directly and solely responsible for the sinking of this vessel,” said Matt Williams, spokesman for the Thomasville, Ga.-based company. "A lot of homes aren't being built because of the Cuban government."

According to a Fox News report the accident happened in December but Harbor Homes delayed releasing details until this weekend due to insurance complications.

A tugboat pulling the barge left Jacksonville, Fla. on Nov. 17 but after refueling in the Bahamas, the vessel’s engine died 13 miles from Cuba’s eastern coast and drifted towards shore. The U.S. Coast Guard sent a cutter and helicopter to try to rescue the boats but Cuban authorities denied them access.