Rubio Says U.S. Speedboat Shooting Off Cuban Coast Is ‘Highly Unusual’

Forbes Business

by Martina Di Licosa, Forbes Staff

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The incident involving a U.S.-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters and resulted in a shootout with Cuban border patrol troops has been described as "highly unusual" by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cuba reported killing four individuals and injuring six others aboard the vessel, which occurred near Cayo Falcones when the boat's passengers opened fire on Cuban authorities. Rubio emphasized that no U.S. government personnel were involved and noted that such shootouts in open sea are rare, particularly between the two nations. The speedboat, registered in Florida, reportedly entered Cuban waters without authorization and initiated hostilities after being approached by five Cuban border guards. The incident took place near the El Pino canal, a strategic point close to Key West, Florida, which is only 90 miles away from Cuba across the Florida Straits—a region heavily monitored due to its history of migration and drug trafficking attempts. Despite the severity of the situation, neither side provided clarity on the identities of those aboard the speedboat or their motivations for entering Cuban waters. This incident comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, which have been further strained by President Trump's recent economic measures targeting Havana. These include tariffs aimed at reducing fuel shipments to Cuba, exacerbating an already severe energy crisis that has led to frequent blackouts and shortages. Rubio linked the deteriorating situation in Cuba to its economic mismanagement, U.S. sanctions, and a collapsing Venezuelan oil supply. From a business perspective, this incident underscores the delicate state of U.S.-Cuba relations, which could impact trade, tourism, and investment ties between the two nations. Florida's proximity to Cuba makes it particularly vulnerable to such events, as seen in the recent call by Rep. Carlos Gimenez for an investigation into whether any victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing relations with a neighbor that remains economically fragile and politically isolated.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/26/2026