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The daring escape of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, “scary” and soaking sea crossing in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the mission.

The Perilous Nighttime Crossing

The rescue organizer, who heads a rescue nonprofit, detailed the mission in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” said Stern, a US special forces veteran, describing rough and moonless seas that also provided convenient cover for the escape.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the harder it is for radar to see,” Stern said.

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from Venezuela, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 fearing persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a 13- to 14-hour trip to an secret location to catch a plane, in a mission orchestrated just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – very little moon, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, boats have no lights. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Regarding her state, he said, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was behind the operation, which commenced earlier in the week. This report follows earlier stories that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her safe house in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share specifics about the land operation, referencing his company’s future work in the country.

Funding and US Role

He told media the mission was financed by “several benefactors” – none of whom were US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, to my knowledge,” Stern said.

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

Future Plans and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had US support to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, though it is not clear how or when.

Stern said his group would not be involved in that operation, 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. She is a genuine inspiration,” he said.