FBI Technical Team Deployed to Cuba: An FBI technical team has gone to Cuba to investigate a deadly February shootout involving a boat that reportedly left Florida. Cuban authorities say the vessel intended to "overthrow the government," and that weapons and incendiary devices were found aboard. Multiple boaters were killed and five survivors now face terrorism charges; at least one of the deceased and one survivor were reported to be U.S. citizens. U.S. investigators say they will independently verify Cuban accounts and seek to protect U.S. interests and citizens.
FBI Team in Cuba to Probe Deadly February Shootout Involving Boat From Florida
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio speaks at a press conference about the US speedboat in Havana, Cuba, on February 26. - Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua/Getty Images
An FBI technical team has traveled to Cuba to investigate a February shootout that reportedly involved a boat which sailed from Florida, two U.S. sources told CNN. The deployment is rare and comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana.
What Happened
Cuban authorities say a 10-person vessel arrived in late February with the stated intent of carrying out "an attempt to overthrow the government." Cuban officials report that the boaters exchanged gunfire with Cuban border guards on arrival, leaving multiple boaters dead and one Cuban soldier wounded. Cuban authorities later said a fifth boater died of injuries sustained in the clash.
Gear and weapons seized from a Florida-registered speedboat are displayed in Havana, Cuba, on February 27. - Omara Garcia Mederos/ACN/Reuters
Evidence Found Aboard
Investigators in Havana reported finding a cache on the vessel that included assault rifles, ammunition, bulletproof vests and Molotov cocktails. Cuban officials initially identified all of the men as Cuban nationals; under Cuban law the government typically does not recognize dual nationality and treats those born on the island as Cuban citizens.
U.S. Involvement And Consular Concerns
U.S. officials told CNN in February that at least one of the people killed and one of the survivors were U.S. citizens. Five survivors now face terrorism charges in Cuba. In March, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said FBI agents would be permitted to conduct an investigation on the island in cooperation with Cuban authorities.
Independent Verification
An unnamed U.S. official told CNN the American investigators will not rely solely on Cuban-provided information and will independently verify what occurred. The official added that U.S. decision-making about the case will seek to protect U.S. interests and citizens involved. The FBI declined to comment.
Context: The visit occurs against the backdrop of strained U.S.-Cuba relations and public U.S. pressure on Cuba from the prior administration to reform its government.
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