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This daring escape of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, frightening and soaking sea crossing in the dead of night, as detailed by the American man who claims to have commanded the mission.

The Dangerous Nocturnal Crossing

Bryan Stern, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the operation in a newly published media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the flight.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the bigger the swells, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” Stern said.

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left Venezuela, where she had been lying low for over a year due to fear of targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Detailed Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a 13- to 14-hour journey to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of orchestrated just days before. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he commented, “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was very tired,” and noted about two dozen people were directly involved within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

A representative for Machado confirmed that Stern’s foundation was behind the operation, which began on Tuesday. This report comes after previous reporting that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge specifics about the land operation, citing his company’s future work in the country.

Financing and US Role

He told media the endeavor was funded through “a few generous donors” – 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 coordinate informally with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being mistakenly fired upon.

Future Plans and Admiration

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

Stern indicated his group would play no part in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “That’s for her to determine and for her to decide. But I think she should not go back. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.