Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has called on U.S. authorities to swiftly clarify the details surrounding a deadly incident in Cuban waters, where an armed confrontation resulted in four fatalities and several injuries aboard a Florida-registered vessel.
In a public statement, Salazar emphasized her close monitoring of reports indicating that Cuban regime forces opened fire on a Florida-registered speedboat. She highlighted the ongoing nature of the situation and expressed her expectation for detailed information from U.S. authorities to accurately assess the events and ascertain the immigration status or nationality of the victims involved.
The Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported the incident, stating it occurred on the morning of February 25, 2026. According to the official account, a unit of the Border Guard Troops identified a boat named FL7726SH approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.
The Cuban report claims that upon approaching for identification, shots were fired from the vessel towards the Cuban forces, leading to a gunfire exchange. The island's authorities reported four individuals killed and six injured, with the commander of the Cuban unit also sustaining injuries.
So far, the identities of the deceased have not been released, nor has it been confirmed if any of them are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, a matter of particular concern in South Florida.
Congressman Carlos A. Giménez also reacted to the incident, demanding an immediate investigation to uncover the precise circumstances of the confrontation. Giménez described the events as a massacre and urged the U.S. State Department and military authorities to gather all pertinent data.
This incident has heightened political tensions in South Florida and could raise diplomatic questions if U.S. citizens' involvement is confirmed. Both lawmakers have stressed the need for the federal government to act with speed and transparency in response to an event involving a U.S.-registered vessel and the use of lethal force in waters near Cuba.
Understanding the Incident in Cuban Waters
What triggered the gunfire exchange in Cuban waters?
According to the Cuban official report, the gunfire exchange occurred when shots were allegedly fired at Cuban troops approaching a Florida-registered boat for identification.
Who are the key figures involved in the response to the incident?
Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and Congressman Carlos A. Giménez are actively demanding clarity and investigation from U.S. authorities regarding the incident.
What are the potential diplomatic implications of this incident?
If it is confirmed that U.S. citizens were involved, the incident could lead to heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and Cuba.