Cuba Speedboat Shooting: What We Know
A confrontation between Cuban border guards and individuals aboard a Florida-registered speedboat has resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries, sparking an investigation by the U.S. Government. Cuban authorities allege the occupants were attempting to infiltrate the country with weapons and carry out terrorist acts, whereas U.S. Officials are working to determine the identities and citizenship of those involved.
The Incident
On February 25, 2026, a speedboat approaching Cuba’s north shore, specifically one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones, was intercepted by Cuban Border Guard Troops. According to the Cuban Interior Ministry, the occupants of the boat opened fire on the troops, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel [AP News]. Troops returned fire, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries among those on board the speedboat.
Cuban Government Claims
The Cuban government asserts that the ten individuals on the boat were armed Cubans residing in the United States who intended to destabilize the island nation. They claim the boat was equipped with assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms [CBS News]. Havana has identified one of the deceased as Michel Ortega Casanova, and the injured as Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra [CBS News]. The Cuban Interior Ministry alleges the group planned a “terrorist infiltration” [NBC 6].
U.S. Response and Investigation
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain whether the victims were American citizens or permanent residents [AP News]. Florida Republicans have called for regime change in Cuba following the incident [The Hill].
Reported Motivations
Wilfredo Beira, leader of the Cuban Republican Party in Tampa, Florida, stated that one of the deceased, Michel Ortega Casanova, expressed a desire to “go fight” for the “freedom of Cuba” and potentially incite a rebellion [AP News]. Beira also indicated that Casanova was part of groups in Florida openly preparing for potential military action against the Cuban government.
Ongoing Developments
As of February 27, 2026, the investigation is ongoing. The U.S. Government continues to gather information, and the Cuban government maintains its stance that the incident was a thwarted terrorist attempt. The incident occurs amidst existing tensions, potentially exacerbated by former President Trump’s fuel blockade of Cuba [The Hill].