Cuban border troops killed four people aboard a Florida-registered speedboat Wednesday after the vessel allegedly opened fire on a Cuban patrol, according to a statement from the Cuban Interior Ministry. The incident occurred approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones, a coastal area about 120 miles east of Havana.
The ministry stated that five members of the Border Guard Troops approached the speedboat for identification when those on board began shooting. The commander of the Cuban vessel was injured in the exchange. “As a result of the confrontation,” the ministry reported four people on the speedboat were killed and six others wounded. The injured were evacuated for medical treatment, the ministry said.
The identity of those aboard the speedboat remains unconfirmed. Cuban authorities have identified the vessel as registered in Florida, with the registration number FL7726SH, but have not released details about the passengers’ nationalities or their purpose for entering Cuban waters.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the incident Wednesday, stating that the U.S. Government currently has no information beyond what Cuban authorities have released. He confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard and other agencies are investigating to determine if the occupants of the boat were U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents. “We have our embassy on the ground in Havana working this as we speak,” Rubio said, adding, “We’re gonna find out exactly what happened here and we’ll respond accordingly.”
Vice President JD Vance also commented on the situation, stating the White House is monitoring developments. “Hopefully it’s not as bad as we fear it could be. But can’t say more, because I just don’t know more,” Vance said.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has ordered state prosecutors to open an investigation, expressing distrust of the Cuban government’s account.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States. Recent pressures include a U.S. Blockade of oil shipments to Cuba and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces in Caracas in January, a development that removed a key Cuban ally from power.
Cuban authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, but have declined to share additional information at this time. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a formal response.
