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The audacious getaway of political leader María Corina Machado entailed a lengthy, “scary” and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, according to the American man who says he led the operation.

The Dangerous Nocturnal Voyage

Bryan Stern, who heads a nonprofit rescue organisation, detailed the operation in a recent interview. It was perilous. It was terrifying,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, describing rough and moonless seas that simultaneously offered convenient cover for the escape.

“The sea conditions were ideal for us, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the bigger the swells, the harder it is for radar to see,” he remarked.

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

A Step-by-Step Extraction

She boarded his boat for a half-day journey to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of planned just days before. “This was in the middle of the night – minimal moonlight, some cloud coverage, extremely low visibility, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My team and I were soaked to the gills. She was also chilled and wet. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern noted.

Describing her condition, he said, She was elated. She was thrilled. She was very tired,” and noted about two dozen people were actively participating within his team.

Verification and Disguise

Spokespeople for Machado verified that Stern’s company was responsible for the extraction, which commenced earlier in the week. This report comes after previous reporting that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her hideout in a suburb of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

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

Funding and US Role

He told media the mission 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 said.

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

Next Steps and Admiration

The opposition leader stated she had American backing to depart Venezuela. She has announced plans to return home, though the specifics remain uncertain the method or timing.

Stern said his group would play no part in that operation, as it worked only on getting people out of countries, not in. “She must decide that and for her to decide. But I think she should not go back. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.