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The audacious getaway of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado involved a long, “scary” and soaking boat journey in the dead of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the operation.

A Dangerous Nighttime Crossing

The rescue organizer, who leads a nonprofit rescue organisation, detailed the mission in a newly published interview. It was perilous. It was scary,” said Stern, an ex-special forces operative, recounting rough and moonless seas that also provided ideal concealment for the escape.

“The ocean was perfect for our purposes, but certainly not water that you would want to be on ... the bigger the swells, the harder it is for radar to see,” Stern said.

He described meeting Machado out at sea after she departed from Venezuela, where she had been lying low since August 2024 fearing persecution by the government of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Step-by-Step Extraction

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day journey to an secret location to catch a plane, as part of planned just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – minimal moonlight, a little bit of cloud cover, very hard to see, vessels running dark. Everyone was quite damp. My crew and I were drenched. She was pretty cold and wet, too. She endured a grueling passage,” Stern added.

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

Verification and Disguise

A representative for Machado verified that Stern’s foundation was behind the extraction, which commenced earlier in the week. This account follows previous reporting that Machado wore a wig and a disguise to flee her safe house in a outskirts of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Stern did not divulge details about the ground segment, citing his company’s future work in the country.

Funding and US Involvement

He stated publicly the mission was financed by “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 positioning and plans, primarily to prevent being mistakenly fired upon.

Future Plans and Inspiration

The opposition leader stated she had US support to leave Venezuela. She has declared her intention to go back, though the specifics remain uncertain how or when.

Stern indicated his group would play no part in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on getting people out of countries, not in. “She must decide that for herself. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. Maria is truly inspirational,” he said.