Cuba: Shootout off coast leaves 4 traveling on 'Florida-registered' speedboat dead, nationalities unknown

A violent maritime confrontation on Wednesday morning has left four people dead and six others injured after a Florida-registered speedboat reportedly entered Cuban territorial waters and engaged in a shootout with border guard troops, Cuban officials announced.

 The incident, which occurred approximately one mile northeast of Cayo Falcones off Cuba’s northern coast in the Villa Clara province, marks a significant escalation in regional tensions at a time when U.S.-Cuba relations are already strained.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the incident on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters during a diplomatic event, Rubio emphasized caution and the need for a thorough investigation rather than speculation, describing the shootout as “highly unusual.”

“It is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that,” Rubio told reporters. “We’re going to figure out exactly what happened.”

 

He also noted that the U.S. is conducting its own independent probe, likely involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Coast Guard, to determine exactly what happened, who was involved, and the nationalities of those on board — which remain unclear, including whether they were U.S. citizens or residents.

Additionally, Rubio further stressed that the U.S. would not rely solely on information from the Cuban government, and would “find out exactly what happened” before responding.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks on Cuban military firing on U.S. boat: "We're going to find out exactly what happened here and then we'll respond accordingly."

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According to a statement released by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the vessel — bearing Florida registration number FL7726SH — was detected early on Wednesday morning. When a Cuban border patrol unit carrying five officers approached to identify the boat, the occupants of the speedboat allegedly “opened fire first.”

The Cuban government reported the following casualties:

• Deceased: 4 individuals aboard the speedboat.

• Injured: 6 individuals aboard the speedboat – currently receiving medical care in Cuba.

• Cuban forces: 1 officer, the vessel’s commander, was wounded as well.

“Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters,” the ministry stated, describing the act as a “safeguarding of sovereignty” during a period of “current challenges.”

 

Vice President JD Vance also confirmed that the White House is monitoring the situation, while Florida officials have been more vocal.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a state-level investigation, asserting that “the Cuban government cannot be trusted.” Additionally, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who was born in Cuba, labeled the incident a purposeful “murder.”

“The dictatorship in #Cuba has just attacked a boat from Florida & murdered those on board. This regime must be relegated to the dust bin of history!” Gimenez declared.

 

I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation.

The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable. https://t.co/IYiWTbtV7o

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) February 25, 2026

The shootout occurs against a backdrop of intense friction. Since the start of 2026, the Trump administration has maintained a “virtual oil siege” on the island following the U.S.-led operation that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a key Cuban ally.

While the exact nature of the speedboat’s mission remains unknown, experts and local officials have suggested several possibilities:

• Migrant smuggling: A common occurrence in the Florida Straits, though rarely involving such heavy gunfire.

• “Freedom flotilla”: Some analysts suggest the presence of ten people on a 24-foot boat could indicate an attempt by exiles to intervene or recruit on the island.

• Family rescue: Unconfirmed reports mentioned by some U.S. officials suggest the boat may have been attempting to pick up relatives.

Investigations by both Cuban authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard are ongoing. The identities and nationalities of the deceased have not yet been officially released.