Cuban Leader Diaz Canel Announces Possible FBI Visit to Investigate Deadly Maritime Clash

Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel says FBI experts may visit the island to investigate a fatal February 25 clash involving a Florida-registered vessel.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 12:20 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Miami Herald

High Level Cooperation Proposed Following Fatal Skirmish

The diplomatic landscape between Havana and Washington saw a rare development this Friday as Cuban leader Miguel Diaz Canel signaled a potential collaborative investigation into a recent deadly confrontation at sea. Speaking at a press conference, Diaz Canel indicated that the island is awaiting a visit from FBI experts to work alongside the Cuban Interior Ministry. This potential cooperation stems from an incident on February 25, when a Florida registered boat was intercepted approximately one mile off the Cuban coast, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire.

Allegations of Targeted Attacks on Military and Social Facilities

During the televised event, Diaz Canel detailed the alleged objectives of the ten men aboard the intercepted vessel. According to Cuban intelligence, the group intended to raid military units and social centers to incite fear and social instability across the island. The Cuban leader dismissed suggestions that the men were on a mission to retrieve family members, pointing to a displayed cache of seized military grade equipment—including explosives and assault rifles—as evidence of a strictly militant "terrorist infiltration."

Conflicting Reports and Domestic Skepticism in the United States

While Havana has been vocal about the details of the clash, the United States government has maintained a more guarded stance. The FBI office in Miami declined to comment on the possibility of a visit, deferring to the State Department. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep skepticism regarding the Cuban government's narrative, emphasizing the necessity of an independent U.S. investigation. Discrepancies in Cuba's reporting, including unverified death tolls and misidentified passengers, have further fueled doubts among American officials.