Boat flying US flag enters Cuban waters after being stolen in Florida
Photo: Cuban flag (Getty Images)
A boat that entered Cuban waters and opened fire at border guards had been stolen by Americans in the Florida Keys days earlier, according to Axios.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is investigating the incident and has formally asked Cuba for access to six injured individuals.
An anonymous US official told the outlet that while the identities of those involved have not been disclosed, the boat’s owner in Florida reported it had been stolen by an employee.
According to the official, some of the people on board had criminal records, and at least one of those killed was a US citizen. Another US citizen was among the injured and is receiving medical treatment in Cuba.
The official also said at least one person involved held a valid US K-1 visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry a US citizen. Others on board are believed to be lawful permanent residents of the US.
The motive for the armed group’s trip to Cuba remains unclear. Authorities in Florida and local law enforcement are also investigating the incident.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Axios it is investigating the boat theft. The owner reported the vessel stolen from Big Pine Key late Wednesday after receiving calls from journalists.
The owner told investigators he suspected a man who had been helping with tiling work during a renovation project and noted the individual has family in Cuba, including two young daughters who remain there.
The outlet noted that four people were killed and six injured in the incident when individuals on the boat opened fire at Cuban border guards. Cuban officials said coast guard officers returned fire as the vessel approached the island.
US authorities have denied any involvement in the incident.
