A deadly confrontation at sea has intensified tensions between Cuba and the United States after Cuban military forces shot and killed four people aboard a Florida-registered speedboat. The incident took place on the morning of February 25, 2026, less than one nautical mile from Cuba’s north coast, according to official statements released by Cuban authorities.
Violent confrontation unfolds near Cuba’s northern shoreline
Cuba’s Interior Ministry said border guard troops detected a 24-foot Proline motorboat entering Cuban territorial waters near Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province. Patrol officers approached the vessel to identify its passengers, which officials described as a routine security procedure for unknown boats entering restricted waters.
Authorities reported that the situation escalated when individuals on the speedboat allegedly opened fire on Cuban personnel. During the exchange, the commander of the Cuban patrol vessel was wounded. Border guards returned fire, leading to a brief gunfight that resulted in multiple casualties.
Mexico trapped between Trump tariffs and Cuba blackout crisis as oil supplies face cutoff
Four people aboard the speedboat were killed, and six others were injured and evacuated for medical treatment. Cuban officials described those killed as “aggressors,” stating that troops acted in self-defense. Investigations are ongoing, and the identities and nationalities of the passengers have not yet been officially confirmed.
Conflicting narratives trigger investigations in the United States
The deadly shooting has sparked strong reactions in the United States. Officials said they will independently review the incident. They do not want to rely only on Cuba’s account. Authorities are working to verify what exactly happened during the confrontation at sea.
U.S. agencies have started gathering evidence. Investigators want to know if any victims were American citizens or legal residents. They are reviewing registration details of the Florida-tagged boat. Officials are also examining communication records linked to the voyage.
Several political leaders in Florida have demanded transparency and accountability. They have called for a full investigation into the use of lethal force. The vessel involved was registered in the United States. Some officials described the incident as alarming. They urged federal agencies to establish a clear timeline of events.
Cuban authorities claimed the speedboat carried armed individuals and possibly explosives. They suggested the group may have attempted to infiltrate the island. U.S. investigators have not confirmed these claims. Officials also stressed that no U.S. government personnel were involved. Fatal armed confrontations involving civilian vessels near Cuba remain rare.
Maritime speedboat shooting unfolds amid rising tensions
The sea clash happened during a period of rising political and economic tension between Cuba and the United States. Relations between the two countries have worsened in recent months due to sanctions, energy disputes, and shifting regional alliances in the Caribbean.
Cuba is currently facing serious economic challenges. The country has been dealing with shortages of fuel, electricity, and basic goods. Some U.S. officials suggested the speedboat may have been linked to civilians trying to move relatives out of Cuba, although authorities have not officially confirmed the crew’s intentions.
At the same time, Washington has increased diplomatic pressure on Havana through economic measures, including restrictions affecting oil supplies. Analysts say these developments have created a tense atmosphere across the Florida Straits, the narrow stretch of water separating the two nations.
After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado backs U.S.-led liberation of Cuba and Nicaragua
Cuban authorities stated that protecting territorial waters remains a top national security priority. Officials said border forces are instructed to respond when vessels enter restricted areas or pose possible threats. Maritime confrontations between Cuban forces and exile-linked vessels have occurred in past decades but are now less common.
Following the February 25 shooting, investigations were launched by both countries. Officials are collecting evidence, witness statements, and operational records. Authorities confirmed that inquiries remain ongoing, and no final conclusions about responsibility or motive have been announced.
