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The audacious getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a lengthy, frightening and very wet sea crossing in the pitch black of night, according to the US veteran who says he led the mission.

The Perilous Nocturnal Voyage

The rescue organizer, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, outlined the mission in a newly published interview. “It was dangerous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, a US special forces veteran, describing 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 described rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from the country, where she had been lying low since August 2024 fearing persecution by the administration 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, as part of planned just four days earlier. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, a little bit of cloud cover, very hard to see, boats have no lights. Everyone was quite damp. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Regarding her state, he said, “She was very happy. She was very excited. She was very tired,” and noted about twenty-four people were actively participating within his team.

Confirmation and Disguise

A representative for Machado verified that Stern’s foundation was behind the extraction, which commenced earlier in the week. This account follows earlier stories that Machado used a wig and costume to flee her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

The veteran declined to share details about the land operation, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the country.

Funding and American Role

He stated publicly the mission was funded through “several benefactors” – none of whom were US government figures involved. Official US funds were not used, to my knowledge,” Stern said.

He clarified, though, that his group did “unofficially collaborate” with the American armed forces regarding locations and strategy, largely to avoid being targeted by airstrikes.

Next Steps and Admiration

Machado said she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to go back, though it is not clear the method or timing.

Stern said his group would play no part in that operation, as it focuses exclusively on extracting individuals from countries, not in. “That’s for her to determine and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. Yet she is determined. Maria is truly inspirational,” he concluded.