Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Natalie Milian Orbis, has called for a swift and thorough federal investigation following reports that Cuban regime forces may have fired upon a Florida-registered speedboat. This incident reportedly resulted in a "tragic loss of life" and numerous injuries.
In a public statement, Commissioner Milian Orbis expressed grave concern, stating that if confirmed, the event is "deeply disturbing."
Milian Orbis emphasized her close attention to the reports, highlighting the necessity for U.S. authorities to clarify the situation, establish accountability, and uncover the truth.
She urged the federal government to "ascertain the facts, defend American interests, and ensure accountability."
The commissioner also stressed that the families of the alleged victims "deserve clear answers," and asserted that "the American public deserves the truth."
Milian Orbis contextualized her response by referencing the historical ties between South Florida and Cuba. She indicated that incidents like this serve as reminders of how the Cuban dictatorship "continues to endanger regional stability and threaten human life," adding that families in South Florida are "acutely aware of this reality."
In her statement, the commissioner concluded that violence linked to the Cuban regime "cannot be ignored or downplayed," reiterating the imperative for U.S. authorities to clarify what transpired.
Details of the Incident in Cuba
The armed confrontation that occurred on the morning of February 25, 2026, in Cuban territorial waters, reportedly resulted in four deaths and seven injuries, according to an informational note released by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
As per information shared by the official MININT Hoy profile, authorities detected a speedboat registered in Florida, United States, with the folio FL7726SH, operating within Cuban waters.
The vessel was located approximately one nautical mile northeast of El Pino channel, near Cayo Falcones, in the municipality of Corralillo, Villa Clara province.
The MININT reported that a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops, consisting of five personnel, approached the boat for identification purposes. According to the official account, gunfire was initiated from the "violating" vessel towards the Cuban border guards.
An American official informed The New York Times that the boat was a civilian craft, part of a group of vessels attempting to retrieve family members from Cuba, and was not affiliated with the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard.
Understanding the Florida Boat Incident in Cuba
What triggered the investigation demand by Commissioner Milian Orbis?
Commissioner Milian Orbis demanded an investigation following reports that Cuban forces may have fired on a Florida-registered speedboat, resulting in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries.
What does the Cuban Ministry of the Interior claim about the incident?
The Cuban Ministry of the Interior claims that a speedboat with Florida registration entered Cuban waters and initiated gunfire against Cuban border guards, leading to a confrontation.
How are South Florida families connected to this incident?
South Florida families are closely connected to the incident due to historical ties with Cuba and are familiar with the threats posed by the Cuban regime, as highlighted by Commissioner Milian Orbis.