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This daring escape of political leader María Corina Machado involved a long, frightening and soaking boat journey in the pitch black of night, as detailed by the US veteran who says he led the mission.

A Dangerous Nocturnal Crossing

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 not water you'd choose to sail on ... the bigger the swells, the more difficult radar detection becomes,” Stern said.

He recalled rendezvousing with Machado offshore after she departed from Venezuela, where she had been lying low for over a year due to fear of persecution by the administration of President Nicolás Maduro.

The Detailed Escape Plan

Machado embarked on his boat for a half-day trip to an secret location to catch a plane, in a mission planned just days before. The operation occurred at midnight – very little moon, some cloud coverage, very hard to see, boats have no lights. All of us were pretty wet. My crew and I were drenched. She was also chilled and wet. She had a very arduous journey,” Stern noted.

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

Confirmation and Concealment

A representative for Machado confirmed that Stern’s company was responsible for the operation, 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 specifics about the land operation, citing his organization's ongoing operations in the region.

Financing and American Role

He told media the endeavor was financed by “several benefactors” – with no US officials involved. Official US funds were not used, at least not that I know of,” Stern asserted.

He said, however, that his group did coordinate informally 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 declared her intention to return home, though it is not clear the method or timing.

Stern indicated his group would not be involved in a return mission, as it focuses exclusively on getting people out of countries, not bringing them back. “That’s for her to determine and for her to decide. Personally, I advise against returning. But she wants to. She is a genuine inspiration,” he said.