Four killed in deadly Cuba speedboat attack

Family members say the men were poorly trained activists seeking to 'liberate Cuba'

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of men from Florida attempted to enter Cuban waters on a speedboat, hoping to make a statement about liberating the island nation. Cuban forces opened fire on the boat, killing four and wounding six of the men.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as the risks that some activists are willing to take in pursuit of political goals. It also raises questions about the preparedness and judgment of the men involved in the failed mission.

The details

According to family members, the men were poorly trained activists who hoped to make a statement about liberating Cuba. On the day before the incident, one of the men, Amijail Sánchez González, called his elderly parents in Cuba to tell them he was heading their way. Cuban forces opened fire on the boat, killing four and wounding six of the men.

  • On February 25, 2026, Amijail Sánchez González called his parents in Cuba to say he was heading their way.
  • On February 26, 2026, Cuban forces opened fire on the Florida-registered speedboat, killing four and wounding six.

The players

Amijail Sánchez González

A man from Florida who called his elderly parents in Cuba to tell them he was heading their way, the day before the deadly speedboat incident.

Cuban forces

The Cuban military forces that opened fire on the Florida-registered speedboat, killing four and wounding six of the men on board.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as the risks that some activists are willing to take in pursuit of political goals. It also raises questions about the preparedness and judgment of the men involved in the failed mission.