Florida-Registered Boat in Deadly Shooting With Cuban Border Guards, 4 Dead 

A Florida-registered speedboat was involved in a deadly shooting with Cuban border guards on February 25, 2026, resulting in four fatalities, according to an official statement from Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior released via the Cuban Embassy in Washington.

What Happened in Cuban Waters

Cuban authorities said the vessel, registered in Florida under number FL7726SH, was detected inside Cuban territorial waters, approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, near Cayo Falcones in Villa Clara province.

According to the official Cuban account, a patrol unit from the Border Guard Troops approached the boat for identification. Authorities claim the occupants of the Florida-registered vessel opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol boat.

A shootout followed

Cuban officials reported that four individuals aboard the speedboat were killed and six others injured. The injured were evacuated and reportedly received medical treatment.

U.S. Response Pending

As of publication, no detailed statement had been issued by U.S. federal authorities regarding the incident. The situation remains under investigation by Cuban authorities, who said they are working to clarify the full sequence of events.

Why This Matters

The incident comes amid heightened tensions across the Caribbean involving maritime migration routes, smuggling enforcement, and territorial patrol operations.

Any confirmed involvement of a Florida-registered vessel could raise diplomatic questions between Havana and Washington, particularly if U.S. citizens were involved.