Cuba says US willing to cooperate on boat investigation

Cuba says US willing to cooperate on boat investigation

Cuba and U.S. Engage in Joint Investigation Following Speedboat Shooting

Cuba and the United States have initiated a collaborative investigation into a fatal gunfight involving a U.S.-registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters, according to statements from both governments. The incident, which resulted in four deaths and six injuries, has raised questions about maritime security and diplomatic tensions in the region.

Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior reported that its border guards engaged in an armed confrontation with the Florida-registered vessel after it approached within one nautical mile of the coast near Villa Clara province. Cuban authorities stated that the boat’s occupants opened fire on their personnel, wounding a commander, prompting a defensive response that killed four individuals and injured six others according to reports. The U.S. government has not yet confirmed the nationalities of those involved but has acknowledged the need for an independent review.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is “gathering its own information” to verify the facts, stating, “We will not solely rely on what the Cuban authorities have provided” as stated by Rubio. He added that the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard are coordinating with Cuban officials to determine the circumstances of the shooting. While the U.S. has not confirmed direct involvement of government personnel, it has expressed concern over the incident’s potential implications for bilateral relations.

Cuban officials have framed the confrontation as a defense of sovereignty, noting that the vessel’s occupants were “armed infiltrators” with ties to U.S.-based anti-Cuba groups according to Cuban officials. Florida lawmakers, including Rep. Carlos Gimenez and Attorney General James Uthmeier, have called for a state-level investigation, accusing the Cuban government of aggression as reported by Florida lawmakers.

The incident occurs amid heightened tensions, including Cuba’s deepening economic crisis and U.S. policies restricting oil shipments to the island according to analysis. While both nations have expressed willingness to cooperate, conflicting narratives underscore the complexity of resolving the dispute. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.

New York Times: (BBC), PBS NewsHour: (PBS NewsHour)