A sudden wind shift caused by a storm cloud has been identified as the primary cause of a tragic paragliding accident that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy named Alejandro on Saturday, July 5, in Isla de la Juventud, according to the Cuban News Agency.
On Tuesday, July 8, a joint commission from the Cuban Aviation Club (CAC) and the Cuban Civil Aeronautics Institute (IACC) arrived on the island to scrutinize the legal, technical, and safety aspects of the incident. The investigation concluded that storm-induced currents collided with the western slope of Sierra de Caballos, ascended eastward, and forced the paraglider—flying over Playa Paraíso—into an emergency water landing approximately 500 meters offshore.
The young boy, a resident of Abel Santamaría neighborhood, was participating in a tandem flight with a CAC pilot when the accident occurred. As they hit the water, the pilot attempted to free himself from the harnesses, losing control over the passenger who disappeared before rescue teams could reach them. The boy's body was found on Monday, July 7, at around 12:30 p.m. after an extensive 21-hour search.
Irregularities and Unauthorized Operations
Despite initial reports of "good" weather conditions, the investigation uncovered significant irregularities that heightened the danger. This was not a routine sporting activity; rather, an unauthorized commercial flight line had been set up, charging 3,000 Cuban pesos per person, without the CAC securing permission from the Ministry of Tourism to operate on the island.
Moreover, the pilot—although experienced in sports—lacked tandem pilot certification and was not authorized for commercial flights, as he was still undergoing certification. Required documentation for such activities was also missing, preventing the boy's family from providing valid informed consent.
Suspension and Controversy
The CAC has suspended all free flight activities in Isla de la Juventud pending further analysis and emphasized that no revenue from the unauthorized operations was incorporated into its finances.
The incident sparked a debate over the club's safety record. René González Sehwerert, the club's president, asserted last Saturday that this was the "first fatality of the CAC in 15 years" with over 60,000 jumps conducted, defending the pilot's decision by suggesting that "the equipment could drag them both if not released."
This account, however, was challenged by the aerodeportiva community and the "Amantes de la Aviación Cubana" page, which documented at least four previous deaths linked to air sports under club-related structures between 2022 and 2023, highlighting a pattern of institutional opacity in handling accidents.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the case's circumstances and remains in communication with the club's management, while the Cuban Parachuting Federation expressed that "the air sports community is in mourning."
Understanding the Paragliding Tragedy in Cuba
What caused the paragliding accident in Isla de la Juventud?
The accident was caused by a sudden wind shift due to a storm cloud, which forced the paraglider into an emergency landing in the sea.
Were there any unauthorized operations involved in the paragliding flight?
Yes, an unauthorized commercial flight line was set up, charging a fee without obtaining necessary permissions from the Ministry of Tourism.
What actions have been taken by the Cuban Aviation Club following the incident?
The Cuban Aviation Club has suspended all free flight activities in the region until further investigations are completed.