Cuba says 4 killed, 6 wounded on US-registered boat in ‘confrontation’ off Cuba’s coast

A tragic incident occurred near Cuba’s coast, where four people on a speedboat were killed and six others were injured in a confrontation with Cuban troops. The United States-registered vessel opened fire on Cuban authorities as Border Guard troops approached for identification in Cuban waters.

The Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that the speedboat, registered in Florida, approached the El Pino channel in Cayo Falcones in the Villa Clara province. The confrontation resulted in the death of four individuals on the boat, with six others sustaining injuries. The injured were promptly evacuated and received medical assistance.

In response to the incident, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior emphasized the importance of protecting territorial waters as a fundamental pillar of national defense. The ministry reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining stability in the region.

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were briefed on the incident, with efforts underway to verify the identities of those on board the vessel. Diplomats at the U.S. embassy in Havana are working to gather more information and determine if any of the individuals involved are American citizens or permanent residents.

The boat involved in the confrontation was registered to a 65-year-old man of Cuban descent living in Miami. FBI agents interviewed the owner, who reported the boat stolen prior to the incident. Preliminary information indicated that the owner is not a suspect in the shooting.

Florida officials have launched an investigation into the incident, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier expressing concerns about the Cuban government’s involvement. Members of Florida’s congressional delegation have also called for a thorough investigation to determine the events leading up to the tragic incident.

Sen. Rick Scott echoed the need for a full investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. The incident has raised questions about the unusual nature of a shootout at sea and highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts to address such incidents effectively.