Cuban authorities have confirmed a fifth fatality following a violent confrontation between the country’s coast guard and a US-flagged speedboat near the island’s shores.
The incident, which occurred on February 25, has intensified tensions surrounding alleged attempts to smuggle weapons into Cuba.
According to officials from the Interior Ministry, one of the survivors identified as Roberto Alvarez Avila died on March 4 from injuries sustained during the gun battle at sea.
His death raises the total number of casualties from the incident to five.
The shootout reportedly began when Cuban coast guard officers approached the vessel to request identification.
Authorities say the crew aboard the speedboat responded by opening fire, prompting security forces to return fire during the confrontation.
Cuban officials said the vessel had sailed to within one nautical mile of the country’s coastline when the exchange of gunfire occurred.
During the clash, four individuals aboard the boat were killed, while several others were injured and later taken into custody.
Investigators say the speedboat, which was registered in the United States, was carrying a large cache of weapons and ammunition.
Authorities reported discovering 14 rifles, 11 pistols, and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition on board.
Prosecutors have since filed terrorism-related charges against the surviving crew members.
Cuban authorities allege that the group intended to transport weapons into the country in an effort to destabilize the communist government in Havana.
The Interior Ministry added that the investigation remains ongoing and involves cooperation with US authorities.
Officials from both countries are reportedly sharing evidence and coordinating aspects of the inquiry.
At least two of the individuals aboard the speedboat were identified as US citizens, with one among those killed during the confrontation.
The incident comes amid long-standing political tensions between Washington and Havana.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has openly supported political change in Cuba and previously imposed strong economic restrictions on the island, including an energy blockade after the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who had been a major oil supplier to Cuba.
