The Cuban regime's release of an official list of detainees following a confrontation between a boat from Florida and Cuban border troops has left one family in deep distress.
Among those named is Conrado Galindo Sariol, a 58-year-old man whose wife and daughters claim they were completely unaware of the incident and are now demanding proof of life.
"It took us by surprise, like everyone else," said María de Jesús Galindo, the detainee's daughter, speaking to Noticias Telemundo.
The official report links Galindo to a group allegedly arriving in Cuba "armed with terrorist intentions." However, his family disputes this narrative.
"He was not a terrorist and never held a weapon; it's true he opposed the Cuban government," stated his wife, Ana Seguí.
Unforeseen Events
Prior to the list's publication, there was no indication of what was to come.
"He told me he was going to work on Sunday," Seguí recounted. Three days later, his name surfaced among those detained.
His daughter's immediate reaction was, "It can't be, that's my dad."
History of Dissent
The family acknowledges Galindo's open criticism of the regime. "He was very vocal, especially in Cuba, which affected me too," María de Jesús recalled.
He had previously served a seven-year prison sentence on the island.
Rejecting the official accusation, his wife defends him. "To me, he's a hero because he only dreams of Cuba's freedom," she expressed.
They also claim he received threats before leaving the country. "The last thing I heard before coming to the U.S. were government words: 'Leave or we'll kill you,'" his daughter reported.
Unanswered Calls
After learning about the situation, the family tried to get direct information.
In a call to Cuba, they heard "...he's one of the people who arrived on a boat...," but no further details were provided.
From Miami, they also attempted to contact the hospital where he is supposedly receiving medical care.
"I'm the daughter, I need to know," she is heard saying in another call. They received no response.
The fear grows with every hour lacking clear information.
"I'm afraid they'll kill or torture him," his wife expressed tearfully.
His daughter was more straightforward: "From the government, I expect nothing good; on the contrary, they have no qualms about harming the people."
While authorities maintain their narrative about the maritime incident, the family insists they do not believe the official information and fear his history as a dissident puts him at risk of retaliation.
For now, they only ask for proof that Conrado Galindo Sariol is alive and the conditions he's in.
Official Account
According to MININT, the Florida-registered vessel was intercepted in Cuban territorial waters. The official version claims it ignored orders to stop and opened fire on Cuban forces, leading to a firefight.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated it was an "attempted armed infiltration with terrorist aims."
Havana reported finding assault rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, Molotov cocktails, night vision equipment, bulletproof vests, ammunition, and "terrorist organization insignias" on the boat.
The official list implicated ten individuals. Aside from the four deceased, survivors named include Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, and Roberto Álvarez Ávila.
The Cuban government claims two were on a national terror investigation list.
Meanwhile, authorities reported the on-land arrest of Duniel Hernández Santos, described as the group's contact and "confessed to his actions." Those identifying as acquaintances have challenged this portrayal, presenting him as someone without a violent background.
U.S. Investigation and Miami Vigil
From Washington, the narrative has been more reserved. A U.S. official confirmed at least one of the deceased and one injured were U.S. citizens, and another had a K-1 visa.
The boat's owner, a 65-year-old man, reported it stolen from a dock in the Florida Keys.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, stated the U.S. will independently investigate the incident.
In Miami, outside the iconic Café Versailles, activists and relatives held a vigil. Some described the event as "a massacre" and criticized the "disproportionate" use of force.
Others stressed that while some in exile support armed struggle, this doesn't automatically label those involved as "terrorists."
More Questions Than Answers
Beyond diplomatic exchanges and official allegations, the outcome is stark: four men are dead, and six remain in Cuban custody.
For the Cuban government, the case fits their narrative of an exile-organized attack. For families and acquaintances, these are workers, believers, or youths whose stories have yet to be publicly heard.
As parallel investigations progress in Havana and Washington, the waters off Villa Clara leave more questions than answers.
Key Questions About the Cuban Detainment
What is the Cuban government's official stance on the incident?
The Cuban authorities describe the event as an armed infiltration attempt with terrorist aims, involving a boat from Florida that allegedly opened fire on Cuban forces.
How is the family of Conrado Galindo Sariol responding to the allegations?
The family rejects the official terrorism accusations, insisting that Galindo is not a terrorist and has never handled a weapon. They demand proof of his well-being and challenge the government's narrative.
What actions is the U.S. taking regarding the incident?
The United States plans to conduct an independent inquiry, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming their investigation into the incident involving U.S. citizens and a K-1 visa holder.