A 24-foot boat, reported stolen from the Florida Keys, was involved in a deadly shootout with the Cuban coast guard on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to six others, U.S. Officials have confirmed. At least one of those killed was a U.S. Citizen, and another remains hospitalized in Cuba, receiving medical attention.
The incident occurred off the Cuban coast, and has prompted an investigation by the U.S. Government. According to a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office incident report, the boat’s owner reported it missing on February 26th, after discovering it was absent from a pier in Big Pine Key around 9:30 a.m. He subsequently recognized his vessel in news reports detailing the confrontation with Cuban authorities.
U.S. Officials have identified two of those aboard as U.S. Citizens, with one fatality and one injury. A third individual was traveling on a K-1 visa, intended for marriage to a U.S. Citizen. Others on board may be legal permanent residents of the United States. Authorities have also noted that some of those involved have prior criminal records.
Cuban authorities allege the vessel was engaged in a “terrorist infiltration” and that weapons were found on board. U.S. Officials have not yet confirmed these claims. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. Government is conducting its own independent investigation, and will not rely solely on information provided by Havana.
Washington has formally requested consular access to the six survivors currently in Cuban custody. Cuban authorities have identified the injured as Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, and Roberto Álvarez Ávila. Those reported deceased are Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa.
The incident represents a recent point of tension between the U.S. And Cuba, as the U.S. Continues to gather information and seek clarification on the events that transpired. As of Friday, February 27th, Cuban authorities have indicated they are cooperating with U.S. Efforts to investigate the incident, but have not provided full access to the survivors.
