The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, has initiated an inquiry following the tragic deaths of four individuals aboard a boat registered in Florida, which was intercepted by Cuban authorities this past Wednesday.
"I've directed the State's Office of Prosecution to collaborate with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to launch an investigation," Uthmeier stated on his social media platforms. "The Cuban government is not to be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable," he added.
Official Cuban Version
The announcement follows reports that Cuba’s Border Troops intercepted a speedboat coming from the United States within Cuban territorial waters. According to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (Minint), the vessel ignored the order to stop and allegedly fired upon a Cuban patrol boat, which led to a confrontation. This encounter resulted in the deaths of four crew members and injuries to six others.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not provided an official list of the victims or further details regarding the identities of those aboard the boat.
U.S. Reactions
Shortly before the Attorney General's announcement, Republican Congressman Carlos Giménez expressed his outrage on social media platform X, declaring that "the dictatorship in Cuba has just attacked a Florida vessel and murdered those on board," and called for an immediate investigation.
The initiation of this investigation in Florida may foreshadow additional diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana as the details of the incident are unraveled. So far, there has been no indication of whether the U.S. federal government will pursue any further formal actions.
Key Questions Regarding the Florida Boat Incident
What prompted the Florida Attorney General to launch an investigation?
The investigation was initiated after a boat registered in Florida was intercepted by Cuban authorities, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to others.
What are the allegations against the Cuban authorities?
It is alleged that the Cuban Border Troops intercepted the boat and, following an exchange of gunfire with the vessel, four individuals were killed. The Cuban government claims the boat did not comply with orders to stop and fired upon their patrol boat.