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This audacious getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, “scary” and very wet boat journey in the dead of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

The Perilous Nocturnal Voyage

The rescue organizer, who heads a rescue nonprofit, detailed the mission in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting rough and moonless seas that simultaneously offered ideal concealment for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” he remarked.

He described meeting Machado out at sea after she left the country, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 fearing targeting by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Detailed Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a 13- to 14-hour journey to an undisclosed location to board a flight, in a mission orchestrated just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, boats have no lights. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he said, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was exhausted,” and noted about twenty-four people were directly involved within his organization.

Confirmation and Concealment

A representative for Machado verified that Stern’s company was behind the operation, which commenced earlier in the week. This report follows previous reporting that Machado used a wig and costume to leave her safe house in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge details about the land operation, referencing his company’s future work in the region.

Financing and US Involvement

He told media the endeavor was funded through “several benefactors” – none of whom were US government figures involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

He said, however, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being mistakenly fired upon.

Future Plans and Inspiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern said his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it worked only on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “That’s for her to determine for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.