Cuba, Caribbean: Fatal Clash Between Cuban Coast Guard and US Speedboat – What Travelers Need to Know

Published on February 26, 2026

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On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, four people were killed, and six others wounded, in a violent clash between the Cuban coast guard and a Florida‑registered speedboat just outside Cuba’s territorial waters. The confrontation occurred roughly one nautical mile off Falcones Cay (Cayo Falcones) in Villa Clara province in central Cuba. The incident has raised major concerns over the ongoing tensions between Cuba and the United States, as it involves a U.S.‑flagged vessel operating in Cuban waters.

According to the Cuban Interior Ministry, the Cuban patrol unit first spotted the speedboat in its waters. As the coast guard attempted to approach and identify the vessel, shots were fired from the boat, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol. In retaliation, the Cuban forces opened fire, leading to the deadly exchange. Cuban authorities reported that the injured passengers were evacuated and received medical attention, while the four fatalities were confirmed aboard the vessel.

Cuban Government Highlights Territorial Defense

The Cuban government has stressed that it remains committed to defending its territorial waters and sovereignty. The Interior Ministry’s statement described the speedboat’s actions as a violation of Cuban maritime borders, adding that the response by the Cuban coast guard was a necessary defensive measure. Cuba has long emphasized its commitment to protecting its territorial integrity, and this incident has underscored the sensitivities of managing maritime security in the region.

Situated just 100 miles off the coast of Florida, United States, Cuba’s waters are a historically sensitive region, given the proximity of the two countries. As of now, the Cuban government has not released the identities or nationalities of those on board the speedboat. Additionally, there are still many questions about why the vessel entered Cuban waters and its intent at the time of the incident.

What Cuban Officials Reported

In its official report, the Cuban Interior Ministry stated that the speedboat was first detected within Cuba’s territorial waters. When the patrol unit attempted to establish communication with the vessel, the occupants allegedly opened fire. This sparked a violent exchange of gunfire, resulting in the Cuban patrol commander being injured. Cuban officials have said that the investigation into the events is ongoing and are working to gather further details about the identities and motives of those on board the vessel.

As of now, there has been no confirmation about whether any U.S. citizens or legal residents were involved in the incident, though U.S. lawmakers and diplomats are demanding a thorough investigation.

Reaction From US Lawmakers and Officials

The deadly incident has sparked strong reactions from U.S. lawmakers, particularly from Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban‑born Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida. Gimenez called for an immediate investigation into the incident, urging U.S. authorities to determine whether any U.S. citizens or legal residents were involved and to clarify exactly what had transpired. His comments reflected growing concern among U.S. politicians regarding the safety of individuals caught up in the violent confrontation.

While no official statement has been released by the U.S. Department of State or the White House, the incident is under close scrutiny by U.S. authorities.

Broader Context: Heightened US‑Cuba Tensions

The shooting comes amid escalating tensions between Cuba and the United States. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have remained strained for decades, and recent geopolitical developments have only deepened the rift.

Earlier in 2026, the U.S. took steps to relax restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, allowing for some resale of oil to the island under the condition that it supports Cuba’s private sector rather than its government. This move was seen as an effort to ease some of the economic pressure facing the island. However, the ongoing tensions surrounding Cuba’s economic situation and its relationship with the U.S. have contributed to an environment of heightened political instability.

Maritime Security and Territorial Waters

Under international law, territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline. This means Cuba has full sovereignty over the waters in question, and any violations can be met with defensive actions. Cuba’s response was in line with its established position on protecting its waters from potential threats. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the Caribbean Sea and underscores the sensitive nature of international maritime boundaries in the region.

What’s Next in the Investigation

The Cuban government continues to investigate the incident and gather details about the passengers and their intentions. The investigation is expected to shed light on why the speedboat entered Cuban waters and whether the actions taken by Cuban authorities were justified. As of now, there is no clarity on the identities of those involved or their possible connection to the U.S. government.

U.S. officials are also calling for a full investigation into the event, particularly to understand the involvement of any American nationals. The results of these investigations will likely have significant diplomatic and political repercussions between the U.S. and Cuba.