Florida’s attorney general directed prosecutors to begin an investigation, saying the Cuban government “cannot be trusted”
A deadly clash erupted off Cuba’s coast when border guards fired on a U.S.-registered speedboat, leaving four people dead. The incident has heightened tensions and raised urgent questions about maritime security and the perilous journeys across the Florida Straits.
According to a statement released Wednesday, Feb. 25, by Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior and reported by The New York Times, the speedboat, registered in Florida, approached one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel.
The statement claims that when the Cuban boat approached the U.S. vessel for identification, the people on board the speedboat allegedly opened fire.
The ministry reported that, during the exchange, the commander of the Cuban vessel was injured, as per CBS News.
“As a result of the confrontation,” four people were killed, and six were wounded, according to the statement.
Per the statement, those injured were “evacuated and received medical attention.”
“Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defence is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and stability in the region,” says the Ministry of the Interior’s statement.
Florida Rep. María Elvira Salazar said on X that she was “closely monitoring reports that Cuban regime forces opened fire on a speedboat with Florida registration, leaving four dead and six wounded.
“This is an unfolding situation, and I am awaiting further details from U.S. authorities,” she wrote.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also wrote on X that he has directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to “work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation.”
“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” he wrote.
The Times reported that a U.S. official said the U.S. civilian boat was part of a flotilla involved with helping get family members out of Cuba.
