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This audacious getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado entailed a long, “scary” and soaking sea crossing in the dead of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Voyage

Bryan Stern, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, detailed the mission in a newly published interview. It was perilous. It was scary,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas that also provided convenient cover for the flight.

“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 meeting Machado out at sea after she left the country, where she had been in hiding for over a year fearing targeting by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of orchestrated just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – very little moon, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, vessels running dark. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

Regarding her state, he commented, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was exhausted,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was responsible for the extraction, which commenced earlier in the week. This account comes after earlier stories that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to leave her hideout 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 country.

Financing and American Involvement

He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – 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 US military regarding locations and strategy, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps and Inspiration

Machado said she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, though it is not clear the method or timing.

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