A reported armed confrontation in Cuban waters has drawn international attention, fueled by an announcement from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) on Wednesday. Cubans both on the island and abroad are closely monitoring the developments.
This article compiles all known details about the incident involving the Florida-registered boat FL7726SH. The clash, which resulted in four fatalities, took place on February 25, 2026, off the coast of Villa Clara during an exchange of gunfire with Cuban Border Guard Troops.
The altercation occurred one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, near Cayo Falcones in Corralillo municipality. Investigations are currently underway in both Cuba and the United States.
The accounts of the event vary significantly, and a comprehensive independent verification is yet to be completed.
What Transpired in Villa Clara's Waters?
According to the official version from MININT, a fast boat bearing the registration number FL7726SH from Florida was detected within Cuban territorial waters early in the morning. A surface unit with five border guards approached the vessel to identify it.
The official report claims that shots were fired from the boat towards the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the Cuban vessel's commander.
A gunfight ensued between the two vessels, leaving four individuals dead and six injured among the occupants of the U.S.-registered boat.
The vessel reportedly carried 10 armed individuals who, according to the regime, intended to carry out a "terrorist infiltration."
Authorities reported the seizure of assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms.
The Cuban government identified several involved individuals, but three fatalities remain unidentified:
- Amijail Sánchez González
- Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez
- Conrado Galindo Sariol
- José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló
- Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara
- Roberto Azcorra Consuegra
- Michel Ortega Casanova (confirmed deceased)
Additionally, Duniel Hernández Santos was detained on Cuban soil as a suspected collaborator tasked with receiving the infiltration.
MININT stated that Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez and Amijail Sánchez González, known as "El Lobo," are listed on the National Terrorist List for allegedly promoting, planning, organizing, financing, supporting, or committing terrorist acts within Cuban territory or elsewhere.
Conflicting Accounts and Alleged Theft of the Vessel
The Maritime Executive, a specialized site, noted that U.S. records identify the Florida-registered vessel FL7726SH as a Pro-Line built in 1981, with hull number 00916.
However, activist Eliecer Ávila claimed it was a privately-owned Carolina Skiff belonging to a Miami businessman, allegedly stolen by an employee.
The owner professed ignorance of the journey, and there is no confirmation yet whether the employee is among the deceased or detained.
Telemundo 51 reported that FBI agents visited a Miami Lakes residence linked to the boat, though no details have been disclosed regarding interviews, seizures, or arrests.
The New York Times cited a U.S. official stating the boat was part of a private flotilla organized to evacuate family members from Cuba. There are also rumors of a possible second boat.
These differing accounts await full independent verification.
Ongoing Investigations in Cuba and the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the incident as "highly unusual" and asserted that Washington will independently verify the events, highlighting that initial reports are incomplete.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. government is monitoring the situation but lacks sufficient information.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and Congressman Carlos A. Giménez have called for clarity on the incident and urged the identification of any U.S. citizens or legal residents among the victims. Miami-Dade County authorities have requested transparency from the Cuban government.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has not publicly addressed this contentious issue. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez remarked on Thursday: "Defending Cuban coasts, national territory, and national security is an unavoidable duty."
Key questions remain unanswered: who fired first, the group's actual intentions, whether the boat was stolen, if a second vessel was involved, and the complete identities of the deceased. Investigations continue in both Cuba and the United States.
Key Questions About the Cuban Waters Incident
What triggered the armed confrontation in Cuban waters?
The confrontation was reportedly initiated when a Florida-registered boat was detected in Cuban territorial waters and allegedly fired upon Cuban border guards.
Who are the identified individuals involved in the incident?
Identified individuals include Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Roberto Azcorra Consuegra, and Michel Ortega Casanova.
What are the conflicting reports surrounding the boat's origin?
There are conflicting reports about the boat's origin, with some claiming it was a stolen Carolina Skiff from Miami, while others suggest it was part of a flotilla intended for evacuating family members.