A clash between a Cuban border patrol boat and a US speedboat resulted in four deaths and several injuries, as reported by Cuba's Interior Ministry.
The Cuban Ministry of Interior announced that a clash occurred between a border patrol boat and an American-registered speedboat off the northern coast of the island. According to the ministry's brief statement, four foreign nationals lost their lives in the incident.
According to information provided by Cuba, a border patrol boat with five soldiers detected a suspicious speedboat near the Cayo Falcones reef off the coast of the town of Corallilo. After the patrol boat approached the vessel for identification purposes, it was claimed that the speedboat, which Cuban authorities described as 'illegal,' opened fire, injuring the patrol commander.
Following the response from Cuban security forces, it was reported that four individuals on the speedboat were killed and six others were injured. The injured were taken to the hospital by ambulance, but detailed information regarding their health status and identities was not shared. It was noted that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Cuban officials stated that the vessel in question is a speedboat registered in Florida with the number FL7726SH. According to U.S. records, this number belongs to a 1981 Pro-Line brand boat with a hull serial number of 00916. It is known that most Pro-Line boats produced during this period are small recreational boats, typically 21-23 feet in length, powered by outboard motors.
The incident occurred during a time of heightened tension between the U.S. and Cuba. The U.S. sanctions targeting oil shipments and the enforcement of a blockade continue to exert pressure on the Cuban economy, which is heavily reliant on fuel. A significant portion of the country’s electricity grid operates on diesel plants and is largely dependent on fuel supply.
In its statement, the Cuban Ministry of Interior emphasized, 'Despite the current challenges, national defense is one of the fundamental elements in preserving the sovereignty of the Cuban State and regional stability. Our determination to protect our territorial waters continues.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
