Fifth death reported by Cuba after U.S. speedboat clash.

Cuban authorities said on Thursday that a fifth crew member from a U.S.-flagged speedboat involved in an exchange of gunfire with the coast guard last week has died from injuries sustained during the incident.

Prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against the surviving crew members, who are suspected of attempting to smuggle weapons into Cuba in a bid to destabilise the communist government in Havana.

In a statement broadcast on state television, the Interior Ministry said one of the injured survivors, Roberto Alvarez Avila, died on March 4 as a result of the wounds he suffered.

The confrontation occurred on February 25 when a Cuban coast guard vessel approached the speedboat to request identification. Authorities said the crew of the vessel responded by opening fire, prompting a response from the coast guard.

Four other people aboard the boat were killed during the clash, which took place less than a nautical mile from Cuba’s coastline.
Officials said the speedboat, registered in the United States, was carrying multiple firearms, including 14 rifles, 11 pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition.

The Interior Ministry added that investigations into the incident were ongoing and being conducted with cooperation from U.S. authorities, including the sharing of evidence and other joint efforts.

At least two of those on board the vessel were reported to be U.S. citizens, with one among those killed.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has previously expressed support for political change in Cuba and imposed strict measures on the island, including an energy blockade following the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who had been Cuba’s main oil supplier.