Cuba’s Interior Ministry said four people aboard a Florida-registered speedboat were killed and six others were wounded after an exchange of gunfire with Cuban border troops in waters off the north coast of Villa Clara on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
In the United States, the Coast Guard had no immediate information on the matter, according to the Associated Press report.
In a statement posted by the Presidencia de Cuba, authorities said that the “infringing” vessel, registered under FL7726SH, was spotted inside Cuban territorial waters, one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel marker near Cayo Falcones, in Corralillo municipality.
The ministry said a Cuban surface unit from the Border Guard Troops approached to identify the vessel and came under fire. The commander of the Cuban boat was injured, the statement said. Cuban officials described the deceased as “aggressors” and said the wounded were evacuated and received medical care. The ministry said an investigation is ongoing.
Cuban officials said that the event was part of their efforts to maintain national sovereignty and defend their territorial waters.
This shootout is likely to spark a lot of debate in South Florida, considering the fact that the area has been known for cases of irregular maritime activities, including smuggling activities in the past.
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