Cuba claims its coast guard exchanged fire with people aboard a US-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters, resulting in 4 deaths and 6 injuries.
Foreign news agencies reported on 25 Feb 2026 that the Cuban government revealed its coast guard fired upon a US-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters, causing 4 fatalities and 6 injuries.
In a statement posted on X, Cuba's Ministry of the Interior said the vessel, registered in Florida with the number FL7726SH, was detected near Cayo Falcones island in the central province of Villa Clara on Wednesday morning.
When a Cuban boat with five coast guard officers tried to approach the vessel for inspection, those on the speedboat opened fire, injuring one Cuban commander. Cuban officers then returned fire, resulting in 4 deaths and 6 injuries.
All the injured have been evacuated and are receiving medical treatment. It remains unclear who the passengers on the speedboat were or the purpose of their entry into the area. The Cuban government has launched an investigation to determine the facts of the incident.
Carlos Gimenez, a Florida congressman of Cuban-American descent and former Miami mayor, said he will call for an investigation into the incident, which he described as a “massacre.” He emphasized that US authorities must “determine if any victims are US citizens or legal residents.”
This incident occurs amid rising tensions between the US and Cuba. Cuba is currently facing an escalating fuel crisis caused by US obstruction of oil shipments from Venezuela, a long-time strong ally of Cuba.
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Source:bbc