A shooting incident occurred in Cuban territorial waters involving the island’s coast guard and passengers aboard a US-registered speedboat. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to seven others. The Florida Attorney General has announced that the United States will conduct its own investigation into the matter.
According to a statement from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the incident took place on the morning of February 25, 2026. A speedboat, registered in Florida under the number FL7726SH, was detected approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, near Cayo Falcones in the municipality of Corralillo, Villa Clara province.
“When a patrol unit from the Border Guard, consisting of five personnel, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the commander of the Cuban vessel being injured,” the statement read.
As reported by the Ministry of the Interior, the confrontation led to the deaths of four passengers from the American boat, while six others sustained injuries. The injured were evacuated and received medical assistance.
“In light of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring regional stability. An investigation by competent authorities is ongoing to fully clarify the events,” the ministry stated.
Reuters reported that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a separate investigation in collaboration with other state and federal law enforcement partners, asserting that the Cuban authorities cannot be trusted.
“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything possible to hold these communists accountable,” he stated.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the United States is conducting its own investigation but is currently relying on the Cuban government for accurate information regarding the incident. He noted that the US government will be prepared to respond as more information becomes available. When asked if US officials could have been involved or if it could have been a US government operation, Rubio replied, “No.”
A shooting incident in Cuban waters involving a US-registered speedboat has resulted in four deaths and seven injuries. The Florida Attorney General has initiated a separate investigation, emphasizing distrust in the Cuban government's account of events.