A tense silence descended as Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the unfolding drama in the waters between Cuba and the United States. A shootout, a U.S.-registered speedboat, and reports of casualties – the situation was, in his words, “highly unusual.” He resisted immediate judgment, emphasizing a careful evaluation of the facts before any official response.
Rubio, speaking from Saint Kitts, made it clear the U.S. would not rely solely on Cuban accounts. “We’re going to have our own information,” he stated, a determination to uncover the truth independently. He acknowledged the myriad possibilities, refusing to speculate but conveying a quiet confidence in an impending, comprehensive understanding of events.
The incident itself was startling. Shootouts in open sea are rare, especially between Cuba and the United States, a history Rubio underscored. “It’s something that hasn’t happened with Cuba in a very long time,” he noted, hinting at the gravity of the situation and the need for a measured, informed response.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed he had been briefed by Rubio, echoing the cautious approach. Details remained elusive, and the administration was closely monitoring developments. Vance expressed a hope that the situation wasn’t as dire as initial reports suggested, but admitted a lack of concrete information.
The Cuban Interior Ministry offered its version of events: a coast guard confrontation resulting in four deaths and six injuries. They alleged the speedboat carried ten “armed individuals” intending to infiltrate Cuba for “terrorist purposes,” a claim that immediately raised the stakes.
According to the Cuban Embassy, the speedboat’s crew initiated the violence, firing upon Cuban personnel attempting to board the vessel. The commander of the Cuban watercraft sustained injuries during the exchange, further escalating the tension. Cuba vowed to defend its territorial waters, framing the incident as a matter of national sovereignty and regional stability.
A search of the speedboat reportedly revealed a disturbing arsenal: assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, and camouflage uniforms. Authorities identified seven of those involved, including deceased individual Michel Ortega Casanova, and are working to confirm the identities of three others.
Cuban officials assert those aboard were Cuban nationals residing in the United States, many with “a known history of criminal and violent activity.” This assertion adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, raising questions about the motivations and backgrounds of those involved.
The vessel itself, a 24-foot Pro-Line boat registered in Florida, was reported stolen to authorities after its owner, contacted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, confirmed it had been docked in the Florida Keys. The owner is not currently considered a suspect in the unfolding investigation.
As investigations continue on both sides of the Florida Straits, the full story remains shrouded in uncertainty. The incident has ignited a delicate situation, demanding careful diplomacy and a relentless pursuit of the truth to prevent further escalation.
