Four Killed in Shootout Involving Florida-Registered Speedboat

Cuba’s Interior Ministry reported that its coast guard forces killed four individuals and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speedboat during an armed confrontation off the island’s northern coast on Wednesday.

According to the ministry’s statement, authorities detected the “illegal” vessel—bearing Florida registration—approximately one nautical mile from Falcones Cay (also known as Cayo Falcones) in Villa Clara province. When a coast guard patrol vessel approached to identify and intercept the speedboat, individuals on board opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban unit.

The ensuing exchange of gunfire resulted in four deaths and six injuries among those on the foreign boat. The ministry stated that the wounded were evacuated and received medical treatment. Cuban officials reiterated their resolve to protect the country’s territorial waters.

The incident unfolded amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Cuba, separated by the roughly 100-mile Florida Straits. It follows recent U.S. policy shifts allowing limited commercial and humanitarian shipments of Venezuelan oil to the island. These adjustments came after intensified sanctions under former President Donald Trump restricted fuel supplies—previously, Cuba obtained about half its oil from Venezuela. The changes followed the U.S.-led removal and capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, coupled with concerns from Caribbean nations about potential economic fallout in Cuba from fuel shortages.

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The ministry’s initial brief statement provided no details on the identities, nationalities, or purposes of those aboard the speedboat. Subsequent Cuban reports, including from state media, indicated the passengers were armed Cuban residents of the United States and suggested intentions related to infiltration, though the original account focused on the defensive response to incoming fire.

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have indicated they are investigating the matter and gathering information, with no immediate detailed public confirmation or contradiction from Washington. The event has drawn coverage from international outlets such as the BBC, Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, PBS, and others