Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez has called for an urgent investigation following reports of a deadly confrontation in Cuban waters that resulted in four fatalities aboard a vessel registered in Florida.
Giménez is pressing U.S. authorities to quickly determine whether any of the victims were American citizens or legal residents and to thoroughly clarify the events that transpired near Villa Clara province.
"I am demanding an immediate investigation into this massacre. U.S. authorities must ascertain if any of the victims were American citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what happened," he stated.
The congressman also declared that the Cuban regime should be "consigned to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity" and emphasized that he is closely monitoring the situation.
He further mentioned that he has requested additional information from the State Department and the U.S. military to ensure the case receives the necessary attention.
Earlier, Giménez had posted on the social media platform X, alleging that the Cuban dictatorship attacked a Florida vessel and murdered those on board, referencing the incident reported by Cuban authorities.
According to a notice from Cuba's Ministry of the Interior, the incident occurred on the morning of February 25, 2026, when a fast boat with a Florida registration, identified as FL7726SH, was navigating about a nautical mile northeast of El Pino channel in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.
The official account states that a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops approached the vessel for identification, and gunfire was exchanged after shots were fired from the boat at the Cuban forces.
The report indicates that the commander of the Cuban vessel was injured, and four people aboard the boat were killed, while six others were wounded and received medical attention.
As of now, the identities of the deceased and further details about why the boat ventured into Cuban territorial waters have not been released.
Cuban authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing to clarify the incident.
Key Questions About the Incident Near Cuban Waters
What triggered the confrontation in Cuban waters?
According to official reports, the confrontation began when a Cuban Border Guard unit approached the Florida-registered vessel for identification, leading to an exchange of gunfire after shots were fired from the boat.
Who is Carlos Giménez?
Carlos A. Giménez is a Republican Congressman from Florida who has vocally criticized the Cuban government for its actions and is advocating for a thorough investigation into the recent maritime incident.
What actions has Giménez taken in response to the incident?
Giménez has called for an immediate investigation by U.S. authorities, requested information from the State Department and the U.S. military, and publicly condemned the Cuban regime's actions.