HAVANA — A violent maritime confrontation erupted in the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, leaving four people dead and six others wounded aboard a Florida-registered speedboat. The incident, which took place within Cuban territorial waters, has ignited a fresh diplomatic firestorm between Washington and Havana at a time when regional tensions are already at a historic high.
According to a statement released by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the vessel—identified by registration number FL7726SH—was detected approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in Cayo Falcones, off the northern coast of the Villa Clara province. Cuban authorities allege that when a unit of the Border Guard Troops approached the speedboat to identify the crew, the occupants of the Florida vessel opened fire.
The Confrontation
The Cuban government maintains that its patrol, consisting of five service members, was acting within its sovereign right to police its waters. The official report states that the crew of the speedboat initiated the skirmish, wounding the commander of the Cuban patrol boat in the initial volley of gunfire.
“Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters,” the Interior Ministry stated. “National defense is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and stability in the region.”
In the ensuing exchange of fire, four people on the speedboat were killed. The remaining six occupants sustained various injuries and were subsequently evacuated by Cuban authorities to receive medical treatment. As of Wednesday evening, the identities and nationalities of those on board have not been released, and it remains unclear if any U.S. citizens were among the casualties.
Heightened Regional Tensions
The shooting comes during a period of extreme volatility in the Caribbean. Relations between the United States and Cuba have deteriorated sharply following the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by American forces in January, a move that removed a primary economic and political lifeline for the island nation.
Furthermore, a renewed and effective oil embargo led by the Trump administration has crippled Cuba’s energy sector, leading to widespread blackouts and deepening a years-long humanitarian crisis. Havana has frequently accused the U.S. of orchestrating “provocations” at sea to justify further intervention.
Reactions from Florida
In Florida, the reaction was swift and characteristically blunt. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that he has directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to open an independent investigation in coordination with federal and state law enforcement partners.
“The Cuban government cannot be trusted,” Uthmeier posted on social media. “We will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable for what occurred.”
Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-born lawmaker, went further, labeling the incident a “massacre.” He expressed grave concern over the use of lethal force against a vessel registered in the United States, suggesting that the Cuban account of the crew “opening fire first” is a fabrication intended to cover up state-sponsored violence.
Uncertainty and Investigation
While the Cuban government has been quick to provide the boat’s registration number, the Associated Press reported that it could not immediately verify the vessel’s owner because boat registration records are not public in the state of Florida.
The U.S. State Department and the White House have yet to issue a formal comment on the deaths, though the Pentagon has reportedly deferred all inquiries to diplomatic channels. Historically, U.S.-flagged speedboats intercepted in these waters have been involved in either human smuggling operations or the transport of illicit goods. However, the presence of firearms and a sustained firefight marks a significant and dangerous escalation from typical interdiction efforts.
As of Wednesday night, the six survivors remain in Cuban custody while an investigation continues. The incident leaves the international community watching closely to see whether this maritime tragedy will spark a larger military or diplomatic confrontation in the Florida Straits.
Sources and Links
- CBS News: Cuba says it killed 4 people on speedboat from Florida who opened fire off Cuban coast
- Hindustan Times: Cuba motorboat shooting: First details on four killed after Florida vessel fired on
- The Straits Times: Cuba says it killed 4, wounded 6 from Florida-based speedboat that opened fire
- Fox 13 News (Tampa Bay): Cuban Coast Guard kills 4, injures 6 in gunfire with Florida-based boat
- Tampa Bay Times: Cuban coast guard says it killed 4 people in shootout with a Florida speedboat
- Xinhua Net: Firefight leaves 4 dead, 6 injured aboard intruding speedboat off Cuba’s northern coast
- WFTV 9: Four killed in shootout between Florida speedboat and Cuban border guards
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