Cuba Kills Four on Speedboat After Shootout with U.S.-Registered Vessel

Cuban border patrol forces engaged in a shootout with a speedboat originating from the United States on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, according to statements from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior. Six others were injured in the incident.

Details of the Incident

The Cuban Interior Ministry reported that the speedboat, bearing Florida registration, was intercepted approximately 1.6 kilometers (roughly one mile) northeast of Cayo Falcones, a barrier island off Cuba’s north-central Villa Clara province CBC. The ministry alleges that the crew of the speedboat initiated the gunfire, prompting a response from Cuban personnel.

“The crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel,” the Cuban government stated Al Jazeera. Following the initial exchange, four people on the speedboat were killed, and six sustained injuries.

Unclear Motives and Ongoing Investigation

The purpose of the speedboat’s presence in Cuban waters remains unclear, and the identities of those on board have not yet been released Al Jazeera. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Previous Incidents and Rising Tensions

This is not the first instance of Cuban authorities engaging in a gunfight after intercepting U.S. Vessels entering its territory. Still, the latest incident occurs amid heightened tensions between the U.S. And Cuba over the past two months Al Jazeera. A political backlash is already emerging in the U.S., particularly from within the Republican Party.

Florida Boat Registration

The Associated Press was unable to verify details of the boat’s registration, as boat registrations are not publicly available in the state of Florida CBC.