The Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT) announced on Friday that those involved in the alleged infiltration attempt from the United States initially traveled on two boats departing from near Marathon Key in Florida.
However, they ultimately reached Cuba on a single boat following a mechanical failure in one of the vessels. This information was disclosed during the special program "Razones de Cuba," where a colonel associated with the investigation detailed how the second boat was left adrift, and its crew and equipment were transferred to the boat that continued the journey.
The official narrative presented in the state-run program suggests that the initial use of two boats—culminating in a single arrival—explains why Cuban authorities reported only one vessel's arrival, despite two groups traveling in the earlier phase of the trip.
During the televised statement, the colonel noted that one boat encountered a motor issue and could not be restarted. Consequently, those on board moved all equipment, including supplies, to the other boat and relocated themselves as well.
Subsequently, the disabled boat was abandoned, and the journey continued towards Cuba on what MININT referred to as the "offending vessel."
The official emphasized that although two boats initially set out, "only one vessel reached Cuban territory."
Details of the February 25 Confrontation
In the same broadcast, the Chief of the Border Guard Troops' General Staff recounted the timeline of events, pinpointing the detection of the naval target at 7:10 a.m. on February 25. According to the account, Cuban technical equipment identified a "suspicious" target within territorial waters.
A command was issued to dispatch an interceptor boat to verify and identify the target. During the approach, the offending vessel allegedly opened fire.
The official stated that the pilot of the Cuban boat sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen. Following a response from the border guards, the offending boat was neutralized, and the injured were brought ashore.
The program also highlighted forensic details regarding bullet impacts: investigators reported 13 impacts on the Cuban interceptor boat and 21 on the boat coming from the U.S. that reached Cuba. These statistics were presented as part of the "technical forensic" documentation shown during the broadcast.
Implications of the "Two Boats" Narrative
The program's revelation that the operation began with two boats, although only one reached Cuban territory due to mechanical failure, is the new development here. This narrative suggests that the alleged transfer explains the large amount of equipment attributed to the group despite the final arrival being on a single vessel.
The program lacks verifiable details to substantiate the version of events presented by the regime in Cuba.
Key Questions on the Alleged Infiltration Incident
What was the initial plan for the alleged infiltration attempt?
The initial plan involved two boats departing from Florida, but due to a mechanical failure, the journey continued with a single boat reaching Cuba.
How did the Cuban authorities respond to the detected naval target?
Cuban authorities dispatched an interceptor boat to verify and identify the target, which allegedly resulted in the offending vessel opening fire.
What evidence was presented regarding the confrontation?
Forensic evidence included reports of 13 bullet impacts on the Cuban interceptor and 21 on the vessel from the U.S.