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This audacious escape of political leader María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, frightening and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, according to the US veteran who says he led the mission.

A Perilous Nocturnal Crossing

Bryan Stern, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, detailed the mission in a recent media appearance. “It was dangerous. It was scary,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting rough and moonless seas that also provided ideal concealment for the escape.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but not water you'd choose to sail on ... the higher the waves, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.

He described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from the country, where she had been in hiding since August 2024 fearing targeting by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Step-by-Step Escape Plan

She boarded his boat for a half-day journey to an secret location to board a flight, as part of orchestrated just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – very little moon, a little bit of cloud cover, extremely low visibility, 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.

Describing her condition, he commented, “She was very happy. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” adding that about two dozen people were directly involved within his organization.

Verification and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado confirmed that Stern’s foundation was responsible for the operation, which began on Tuesday. This report follows earlier stories that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to leave her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share specifics about the ground segment, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the country.

Funding and American Involvement

He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – none of whom were US government figures involved. “The US government did not contribute a single penny, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

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

Future Plans and Inspiration

Machado said she had American backing to leave Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern indicated his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not bringing them back. “That’s for her to determine for herself. But I think she should not go back. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.