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The audacious escape of political leader María Corina Machado involved a long, frightening and soaking sea crossing in the pitch black of night, according to the US veteran who says he led the mission.

The Dangerous Nighttime Voyage

Bryan Stern, who leads a rescue nonprofit, outlined the mission in a newly published interview. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” stated Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas that also provided ideal concealment for the flight.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the bigger the swells, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she left the country, where she had been lying low for over a year fearing persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day journey to an undisclosed location to catch a plane, in a mission orchestrated just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

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

Verification and Concealment

Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s company was responsible for the operation, which began on Tuesday. This account follows earlier stories 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, referencing his company’s future work in the country.

Financing and US Involvement

He told media the mission was funded through “several benefactors” – with no US government figures involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern said.

He clarified, though, that his group did coordinate informally with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being mistakenly fired upon.

Next Steps 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 the method or timing.

Stern said his group would play no part in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “She must decide that for herself. But I think she should not go back. Yet she is determined. She is a genuine inspiration,” he concluded.