🔗 Share this article

The audacious getaway of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, “scary” and very wet sea crossing in the pitch black of night, according to the American man who says he led the operation.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Crossing

The rescue organizer, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a recent interview. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, a US special forces veteran, describing dark and choppy conditions that also provided ideal concealment for the escape.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the higher the waves, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” Stern said.

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left the country, where she had been in hiding for over a year due to fear of persecution by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a 13- to 14-hour journey to an secret location to board a flight, in a mission planned just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – very little moon, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern added.

Describing her condition, he commented, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

A representative for Machado verified that Stern’s company was responsible for the operation, which began on Tuesday. This report comes after previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her safe house in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share details about the ground segment, referencing his organization's ongoing operations in the region.

Funding and US Role

He stated publicly the mission was funded through “a few generous donors” – with no US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.

He said, however, that his group did coordinate informally with the American armed forces regarding positioning and plans, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Future Plans and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern said his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. She is a genuine inspiration,” he said.