Four people on a Florida-registered speedboat have died after Cuban border guards opened fire off the northern coast of the island nation. The Cuban Embassy confirmed that the victims were of Cuban origin living in the United States, while the Cuban Ministry of the Interior stated that the vessel entered territorial waters as part of an "armed incursion attempt."
According to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, there were a total of 10 people on board, and authorities discovered assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, and various other weapons. Cuban officials stated that a gunfight broke out, resulting in four deaths and six injuries.
The Cuban Embassy released the identities of the survivors, including Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. One of the deceased was identified as Michel Ortega Casanova, and another Cuban citizen, Duniel Hernández Santos, was arrested within Cuban territory on charges of assisting the group.
The Cuban Embassy stated that González and Gómez were on a national wanted list for allegedly promoting or supporting acts of violence against Cuba. A U.S. official, speaking to the New York Times, suggested that those on the boat might have been attempting to pick up relatives to leave Cuba.
When asked about the nationality of those involved, the U.S. State Department referred to statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mr. Rubio declared that the U.S. would clarify the incident and provide an appropriate response, while asserting that Washington would not rely solely on information provided by the Cuban side, noting that shootouts at sea are rare.
The incident occurred approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, an area frequently patrolled by Cuban authorities. Florida General Counsel James Uthmeier also stated that the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution is reviewing the matter, and investigations from both the Cuban and U.S. sides are ongoing.
