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The daring getaway of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, “scary” and very wet boat journey in the dead of night, according to the American man who claims to have commanded the operation.

A Dangerous Nighttime Crossing

Bryan Stern, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a recent media appearance. It was perilous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, a US special forces veteran, describing dark and choppy conditions that simultaneously offered ideal concealment for the flight.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the higher the waves, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” he remarked.

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

The Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day journey to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of orchestrated just four days earlier. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, vessels running dark. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern noted.

Regarding her state, he said, She was elated. She was very excited. She was exhausted,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

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

The veteran declined to share specifics about the ground segment, referencing his company’s future work in the region.

Financing and American Involvement

He stated publicly the endeavor was financed by “a few generous donors” – with no US officials 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 targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Inspiration

Machado said she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.

Stern indicated his group would play no part in a return mission, 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. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.