HAVANA: At least four people were killed and six others injured after a US-registered speedboat entered the territorial waters of Cuba and exchanged fire with a Cuban patrol vessel, the country’s interior ministry said on Wednesday.
According to an official statement, the speedboat, registered in the US state of Florida, was intercepted near the El Pino Canal in Villa Clara province after it approached Cuban waters. When a coast guard boat carrying Cuban personnel moved to identify the vessel, individuals aboard the intruding craft allegedly opened fire, wounding the commander of the Cuban patrol boat.
Cuban authorities said security personnel returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four people on the speedboat and injuries to six others. The wounded were evacuated and provided medical treatment, officials added.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details regarding the identities or motives of those involved.