Four shot dead on US-registered speedboat by border guard, Cuba says
BBC World
February 25, 2026
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A US-registered speedboat with four people killed and six injured after a confrontation with Cuban border guards has sparked heightened tensions between the two nations. The incident occurred near Cuba's northern coast when the speedboat, registered in Florida, opened fire on a Cuban coast guard vessel that approached it for identification. In response, Cuban border guards returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals on the speedboat and injuries to six others. The identities of those involved remain unclear, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing that investigations are ongoing and no conclusions have been drawn.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Cuba, particularly over issues like Cuba's fuel crisis exacerbated by US restrictions on Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. Rubio stated that the US would independently verify facts rather than rely on Cuban information, with US Coast Guard investigators already en route to the area. The speedboat's registration number, FL7726SH, was noted in Cuban statements, but its exact origin and purpose remain under scrutiny.
Cuban authorities described the incident as an act of aggression in their territorial waters, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding sovereignty. This stance aligns with broader regional tensions, particularly given the timing coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, a significant event for Cuban-American communities. Florida lawmakers have called for an investigation, with some characterizing the incident as a "massacre" and demanding clarity on whether US citizens were among the victims.
The shooting has raised questions about US-Cuba relations and the potential involvement of American nationals in the speedboat. Rubio's cautious approach highlights the complexity of the situation, with both sides prioritizing their own narratives. The incident underscores the volatile nature of US-Cuba interactions, particularly as Cuba faces internal challenges like its fuel crisis. As investigations continue, the outcome could further strain or stabilize already tense relations between the two nations.
The broader implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate casualties and
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026