UPDATE - Florida’s attorney general announces investigation into speedboat incident involving Cuba

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By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Wednesday that his office has launched an investigation into a maritime incident involving Cuba.

"I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation," Uthmeier said on the US social media company X’s platform.

His remarks came after Cuba said its forces shot four people dead and injured six others on a Florida-registered speedboat after it allegedly entered Cuban waters and fired on a Cuban patrol vessel.

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

Earlier, Cuba's Interior Ministry said a vessel with registration number FL7726SH came within one nautical mile of a channel on Falcones Cay, located on the north coast of Cuba about 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of the capital Havana.

"When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, carrying five service members, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel," the ministry said.

Amid ongoing challenges, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to defending its territorial waters, emphasizing that national defense is central to protecting its sovereignty and maintaining regional stability.

The incident comes amid growing tensions and pressure from the US on Cuba. US President Donald Trump has pledged to see the island “fall” while maintaining an embargo that has left Cuba facing a severe energy shortage.