The tragic demise of four individuals aboard a Florida-registered speedboat has been reported following an encounter with Cuban forces on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by Cuba’s interior ministry. In addition to the casualties, six others on the vessel suffered injuries and are currently receiving medical care.

The incident has garnered attention from the highest levels of the U.S. government. Vice President JD Vance stated that the White House is closely monitoring the unfolding situation, though concrete details remain limited at this time. “It’s certainly a situation that we’re keeping an eye on,” Vance remarked at a separate White House event. “We hope it isn’t as severe as feared, but I can’t comment further due to a lack of information.”

Meanwhile, Florida Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez has expressed his concern over the use of lethal force against the occupants of a U.S.-registered boat. He has urged for a thorough investigation into the matter. In a statement shared on social media, Gimenez emphasized the need for U.S. authorities to determine the citizenship or residency status of the victims and uncover the precise circumstances surrounding this grave incident.

“(It is) certainly, you know, a situation that we’re monitoring, hopefully it’s not as bad we fear it could be. But (I) can’t say more, because I just don’t know more,” Vance said during an unrelated event at the White House.

Local officials demand action

Florida Republican Congressman Carlos A Gimenez said the incident raised concerns about the use of lethal force against people aboard a US-registered vessel and called for an investigation.

“United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were US citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred,” he said in a statement posted to X.

“The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity.”

Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott also called for a full investigation into what he dubbed a “deeply concerning” situation.

“The Communist Cuban regime must be held accountable,” he said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed he had ordered an investigation into the incident.

“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” he said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba as Washington has blocked virtually all oil shipments from reaching the communist-run island.

The subsequent oil shortage has brought Cuba’s economy to its knees, with the Caribbean nation experiencing its worst era of economic uncertainty in decades.

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