Four killed in firefight between Cuban coastguard and Florida-registered speedboat
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
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A clash in Cuban waters left four people dead after Cuban soldiers opened fire on a Florida-registered speedboat, according to the Cuban government. The incident occurred near Cayo Falcones, off Cuba’s north coast, and resulted in four fatalities and six injuries aboard the speedboat. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard are investigating whether any of the victims were American citizens or permanent residents. Rubio emphasized that the US would independently verify the facts, as tensions between Washington and Havana could escalate further.
The incident raises questions about why a Florida-registered boat was in Cuban waters and what led to the confrontation. Cuba’s Interior Ministry claimed the country was “safeguarding its sovereignty” but provided few details about the shooting. The boat’s registration number was shared, but verifying its history proved challenging due to privacy protections for boaters in Florida. US officials have not yet confirmed whether the victims were American citizens.
The situation is particularly sensitive given the already strained relations between the US and Cuba. Tensions have increased since the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with Trump’s administration taking a harder line against Cuba, including imposing tariffs on oil imports to the island. This incident could further strain ties, especially if it involves American citizens.
Rubio noted that US Coast Guard personnel maintain “constant contact” with Cuban authorities but declined to speculate on the incident’s causes or implications. Both governments are now working to uncover the full details of what happened and whether diplomatic or other actions will follow. The outcome of this investigation could have significant repercussions for US-Cuba relations and regional stability in the Caribbean.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026