The tragic case of an American citizen losing his life in a dramatic encounter with Cuban forces has left his family grappling with the consequences of his fervent mission. Michel Ortega Casanova, a passionate individual who worked as a truck driver, was reportedly driven by an “obsessive and diabolical” desire to liberate Cuba, according to his brother.
Ortega Casanova was among ten passengers aboard a Florida-registered boat that is alleged to have exchanged fire with Cuban soldiers in a bold attempt to breach the island’s defenses. Sadly, this venture resulted in Ortega Casanova and three others losing their lives. His family, including a wife, mother, brother, two sisters, a daughter, and an unborn grandchild, mourns his untimely death.
In the aftermath of the incident, six additional passengers, all Cuban nationals residing in the United States, suffered injuries. The ordeal has drawn significant attention, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the situation during his return to Washington, D.C., following discussions with Caribbean Community leaders at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Reflecting on his brother’s actions, Misael Ortega shared with The Associated Press that Michel’s commitment to Cuba’s freedom was relentless and unforeseen by those around him. The incident has cast a spotlight on the complex and often perilous efforts by some individuals to impact the political landscape of their homeland from abroad.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed an incident involving Cuban forces and a speedboat Wednesday before returning to Washington, D.C., after meetings with Caribbean Community leaders at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Reuters)
Ortega Casanova’s brother, Misael, told The Associated Press Wednesday that his brother had an “obsessive and diabolical” pursuit for Cuba’s freedom.
“Only us Cubans who have lived over there understand [the great suffering],” Misael said.
He said “no one knew” about his brother’s plans to infiltrate the island, noting their mother is “devastated.”
“They became so obsessed that they didn’t think about the consequences nor their own lives,” Misael said.
While Ortega Casanova’s family did not recognize any of the other passengers, Misael said, “maybe [the attempt] will justify that some day Cuba will be free.”
Cuban Coast Guard forces reported an exchange of gunfire with a U.S.-registered speedboat Wednesday. (Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images)
He refrained from labeling the group heroes, describing the idea as “ignorance.”
Cuban officials said many of the boat passengers, who were intercepted roughly 1 mile northeast of Cayo Falcones, off Cuba’s north coast, had a known history of criminal and violent activity.
Passengers Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez were wanted by Cuban authorities for their involvement in the “promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission of actions carried out in the national territory or in other countries, in connection with acts of terrorism,” according to the government.
Cuban politician Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla posted to X after the incident, claiming a “rigorous investigation” is being conducted to clarify the facts.
“Cuba has had to face numerous terrorist and aggressive infiltrations originating from #EEUU since 1959, at a high cost in lives, injuries, and material damage,” Rodriguez Parrilla wrote in a post. “The defense of Cuba’s coasts, of the national territory, and of national security is an ineludible duty.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is working to determine whether the passengers were American citizens or permanent residents.
“We have various different elements of the U.S. government that are trying to identify elements of the story that may not be provided to us now,” Rubio told reporters in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
“Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that. It’s not something that happens every day. It’s something, frankly, that hasn’t happened with Cuba in a very long time.”
Cuban officials said the vessel’s passengers were intercepted off Cuba’s northern coast. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto)
Rubio said the U.S. will verify the facts independently, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard are investigating.
Vice President JD Vance said he was briefed on the incident, and the White House is monitoring the situation.
“Hopefully it’s not as bad as we fear it could be,” Vance said.
Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier said prosecutors will work with federal, state and law enforcement partners to start an investigation.
“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” Uthmeier wrote in a social media post.
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