Man Erroneously ID'd by Cuban Officials Speaks Out After Deadly Boat Shooting

Robert Azcorra Consuegra was mistakenly named as part of the group involved in the fatal confrontation off Cuba's coast.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:26am

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After Cuba's deputy foreign minister confirmed they misidentified Robert Azcorra Consuegra as being part of a group involved in a deadly alleged shootout off the country's coast, Consuegra has come forward to share his fears and concerns. Consuegra, who has been living in the U.S. since 2016 after claiming political asylum, says he was stunned to learn his name was on the list and that he had no plans to be part of the apparent voyage. While he acknowledges knowing many of the other individuals who were identified as being aboard the vessel, Consuegra says he has 'mixed emotions' about their actions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Cuban regime's history of cracking down on dissidents and opposition, even going so far as to falsely accuse individuals of involvement in incidents. Consuegra's story raises concerns about the regime's tactics and the plight of Cubans seeking freedom from the dictatorship.

The details

According to Cuban officials, 10 people were on the vessel that allegedly fired upon a military vessel in an attempt to 'infiltrate' the country. Four of them were killed while six others were injured in the deadly confrontation. Consuegra, who has a record of activism against the Cuban regime, says he has no idea why his name was published and that he had no plans to be part of the voyage. He believes the regime is aware of his past actions opposing the country's leadership.

  • On February 27, 2026, Cuba's deputy foreign minister confirmed they misidentified Consuegra as being part of the group involved in the deadly incident.

The players

Robert Azcorra Consuegra

A man living in the U.S. since 2016 after claiming political asylum, who was erroneously identified by Cuban officials as being part of the group involved in the deadly boat shooting incident off the country's coast.

Cuban Regime

The government of Cuba, which has a history of cracking down on dissidents and opposition, and falsely accused Consuegra of involvement in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“It scares me because my dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles are there.”

— Robert Azcorra Consuegra (WSVN)

“I have a record of activism against the dictatorship from my days in Cuba as well as here in the United States. I think they've confused all that history or they're hiding something, I can't be sure.”

— Robert Azcorra Consuegra (WSVN)

“I have mixed emotions. They're friends of mine and I admire what they did.”

— Robert Azcorra Consuegra (WSVN)

What’s next

Consuegra says he is looking forward to the United States' investigation into the deadly incident and plans to continue advocating for Cuba's freedom.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Cuban regime's continued crackdown on dissidents and the plight of Cubans seeking freedom from the dictatorship. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation of such incidents, as well as the importance of supporting those who risk their lives to fight for their country's liberation.