The Ministry of the Interior said its border guard exchanged gunfire with a U.S.-registered speedboat near Cuban waters on Feb. 25, resulting in four deaths and six injuries. According to the government’s statement, the vessel from Florida approached roughly one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel.
Cuban authorities said that when their patrol boat attempted to identify the speedboat, individuals on board allegedly opened fire. During the confrontation, the commander of the Cuban vessel was injured. Officials stated that four people were killed and six others wounded, adding that the injured were evacuated and received medical care.
U.S. Officials React as Investigation Begins
MarÃa Elvira Salazar said she was closely monitoring reports that Cuban forces fired on a Florida-registered vessel and described the situation as unfolding. She said she was awaiting additional details from U.S. authorities.
James Uthmeier announced that he directed Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution to coordinate with federal and state law enforcement partners to begin an investigation, expressing skepticism about the Cuban government’s account.
Broader Context and Ongoing Questions
The Cuban government reaffirmed its commitment to defending its territorial waters, calling national defense a fundamental pillar of sovereignty. According to The New York Times, a U.S. official said the civilian vessel was reportedly part of a flotilla attempting to help family members leave Cuba.
Details about what precisely led to the exchange of gunfire remain unclear, and U.S. federal authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the circumstances described by Cuban officials.
