Four individuals killed aboard a Florida-registered vessel following an alleged armed confrontation with the Cuban coast guard have been identified as residents of the United States, according to statements from local officials. The deceased, all of Cuban descent, were reportedly approaching Cuban territorial waters as part of what the government in Havana has described as a terrorist plot.
Cuban Government Claims Terrorist Intent
Cuba's government issued a formal statement late on Wednesday night, asserting that the individuals aboard the speedboat were engaged in a terrorist operation. The statement detailed that the incident occurred when the vessel crossed into Cuban waters and its occupants opened fire on Border Guard Troops.
Victim Identification and Details
One of the victims has been publicly named as Michel Ortega Casanova. Authorities are currently working to confirm the identities of the three other deceased individuals. In addition to the fatalities, six other people sustained injuries during the altercation and have since been detained by Cuban officials.
Incident Timeline and Location
The Cuban Embassy provided further clarification via social media platform X, stating that the event unfolded on Wednesday morning. The speedboat was located approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in the Villa Clara province when it was intercepted by Border Guard Troops.
According to the embassy's account, the crew of the Florida-registered boat initiated gunfire upon the Cuban personnel, prompting a defensive response from the coast guard. This exchange led to the casualties and subsequent detention of the injured parties.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
This remains a developing news story with ongoing investigations by both Cuban and potentially US authorities. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available regarding the identities of the deceased, the condition of the detained individuals, and the full circumstances surrounding the alleged terrorist plot.
