U.S. officials confirm that at least two American citizens were on a boat that entered Cuban waters and was fired upon by the Cuban coast guard. One American citizen was killed, and another was injured in the incident that occurred on Wednesday morning. The U.S. spokesperson stated that along with the deceased American, another person was hurt, while a third had a K1 visa, and others may have been legal and permanent residents.

Cuban authorities, however, contend that the boat was in their waters and that it had provoked the coast guard by firing upon them as they approached to identify the vessel. The captain of the Cuban coast guard vessel reportedly sustained injuries during this exchange. According to the Cuban government, the ten individuals aboard the boat were all Cuban exiles living in the U.S., indicating a possible complex narrative involving both U.S. and Cuban residents in a region known for its tense relations.

This incident marks the first confirmation from the United States regarding the presence of American citizens on the boat, escalating the discourse around U.S.-Cuba relations. The death of an American citizen in such circumstances could lead to increased diplomatic tensions and calls for further scrutiny over maritime interactions in the contested waters between the U.S. and Cuba, highlighting the challenging nature of issuing visas and managing exiled communities in relation to their homeland.