Cuba – USA Florida-registered speedboat clash (25 February 2026)

On the morning of 25 February 2026, according to an announcement by Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, an incident began when a speedboat registered in the U.S. state of Florida entered Cuban territorial waters. The vessel was detected approximately one nautical mile off the coast of Cayo Falcones in the northern part of Villa Clara province. A gunfight erupted between the speedboat, which reportedly carried ten people, and Cuban border security forces. Four individuals were killed and six were injured during the confrontation. A Cuban border patrol commander was also wounded during the exchange. According to the Cuban government, the incident constituted a response aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty.

Nature of the Speedboat and Its Passengers

Cuban state sources stated that the speedboat was registered in Florida under the registration number FL7726SH. It was alleged that most of the individuals on board were Cuban nationals residing in the United States and that some passengers had previously been linked to criminal or violent acts. Among the equipment found on the vessel were assault rifles, hand-thrown explosives (Molotov cocktails), ballistic vests, and camouflage clothing. Cuban authorities declared that these items were being assessed as part of an attempt to infiltrate the country with terrorist intent.

Course of the Confrontation

After detecting the speedboat, Cuban border security approached to identify the vessel and determine its intentions. According to Cuban officials, the occupants of the speedboat opened fire first, wounding the border patrol commander. In response, Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in four deaths at the scene and six injuries. The wounded received medical assistance in the aftermath.

The Dead and Those Taken into Custody

Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior identified one of the four deceased individuals as Michel Ortega Casanova. The identities of the other three deceased were not publicly disclosed following the announcement. Of the ten people on board, six were taken into custody after the incident. Additionally, it was reported that a man named Duniel Hernández Santos was apprehended on land before reaching Cuban territorial waters and was accused of attempting to assist those on the boat.

Cuban Government Statements

Following the incident, the Cuban government stated that the speedboat had violated Cuban territorial waters and posed a threat to national sovereignty and security. The ministry emphasized that the response fell within the framework of national defense and the protection of sovereignty.

United States Position

U.S. officials issued differing statements after the incident. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the operation was not conducted by the U.S. government and that the United States would independently investigate the circumstances and details of the event. Rubio noted that most of the available information originated from Cuban authorities and required independent verification. It was also reported that U.S. Navy and Coast Guard officials were investigating the incident. In the United States, the Florida State Attorney’s Office and federal authorities launched an investigation, seeking information regarding the citizenship or residency status of the victims.

International and Political Context of the Incident

The incident occurred amid already strained relations between Cuba and the United States. Tensions between the two countries have been exacerbated by measures such as the U.S. blockade of petroleum shipments to Cuba and the escalation of economic sanctions. Furthermore, the incident has further complicated the political and security environment in the region.